The exhibition ‘Rotimi Fani-Kayode: The Studio – Staging Desire’ at Autograph ABP in London highlights the work of Nigerian photographer Rotimi Fani-Kayode, focusing on his portrayal of the queer male body and cultural identity. His photographs blend political and spiritual messages while challenging historical representations of Black bodies. Fani-Kayode’s artistic legacy remains significant in discussions of queerness and representation.
Explore the captivating photography of Rotimi Fani-Kayode, featured in the exhibition ‘Rotimi Fani-Kayode: The Studio – Staging Desire’ at Autograph ABP in London, running until 22 March 2025. The exhibition showcases the Nigerian-born photographer’s distinctive portrayal of the queer male body, blending political and spiritual themes from his artistic practice during the 1980s AIDS crisis.
A powerful image depicts a man striking a pose reminiscent of Michelangelo’s David, but with an inviting comfort, representing his sexuality in the intimate setting of Fani-Kayode’s studio. Fani-Kayode’s artwork addressed his identity and heritage, rooted in his Yoruba background, emphasizing the historical portrayal of Black male bodies in art and combating stereotypes.
Mark Sealy, current director of Autograph, discussed Fani-Kayode’s struggle for acceptance in the art world, noting that his work was often misunderstood. He highlighted that Fani-Kayode was part of a generation of post-war migrant artists seeking representation and funding for their creative expressions.
Fani-Kayode emigrated from Nigeria to the UK as a child before the Biafran war, making a lasting impact on photography. His work melds Yoruba culture and sexuality with European classical art, creating a dynamic dialogue about identity and representation. For instance, his imagery featuring men with bleached hair and sunglasses captures the essence of nightlife and queer culture he experienced while studying in Washington.
Fani-Kayode’s photography often utilised multiple exposures and depicted themes of twin births from Yoruba culture, exploring deeper meanings of connectedness and mischief. Famous for his interactions with the gay community and his engagement with fetish and leather subcultures, his works embedded queerness within broader artistic narratives.
The photographer’s contributions extended beyond his creative duties; he was an educator at the Oval House Theatre during the mid-1980s. His shift from street photography to staged studio settings reflects a profound engagement with theatre and art history, making bold connections with renowned figures like Caravaggio.
Autograph was established at a time when photography was not fully recognised as an art form. Sealy noted that Fani-Kayode’s work was often better acknowledged in France, revealing the challenges faced by Black artists in finding a suitable audience. Community collaboration played a vital role in shaping Fani-Kayode’s artistic vision, fostering a support system among fellow artists.
Overall, Rotimi Fani-Kayode’s exhibition at Autograph ABP offers a compelling exploration of identity, sexuality, and art across cultural boundaries, making significant contributions to both the queer narrative and the representation of Black bodies in contemporary art.
The exhibition ‘Rotimi Fani-Kayode: The Studio – Staging Desire’ showcases the profound impact of Fani-Kayode’s work on queer and Black identity representation. His innovative photography, rooted in Yoruba culture, redefines the historical portrayal of the male body while fostering dialogue around sexuality and cultural heritage. Through community collaboration and theatrical artistry, Fani-Kayode’s legacy continues to inspire discussions on identity in contemporary art.
Original Source: www.wallpaper.com