Born in Lagos, made a political refugee along with his family in his teens, Rotimi settled in Brixton after his studies in the US. While living in Brixton, Rotimi produced art that explored sexuality, racism, colonialism and the tensions and conflicts between his homosexuality and his Yoruba upbringing.
Rotimi’s mid-1980s portfolio challenged the invisibility of “African queerness” in both the Western and African worlds. He sought to reshape the ideas of sexuality and gender in his photography to shows both to be fluid and subjective.
Rotimi’s work challenged binary categorisations and the rigid and “fixed” ideas about gender and sexuality they create, long before contemporary artistic, public and political awakenings. Co-founder and first Chair of Autograph ABP, Rotimi’s work is still touring, and still inspiring gallery audiences globally. Like too many young, gifted, black queer men we lost Rotimi Fani- Kayode to AIDS-related illness in December 1989.
Create like Rotimi
Rotimi Fani-Kayode used his considerable talents to explore his truth and in the process created insights for others about their own experience as well as his.
BlackOutUK has an open invitation for those who identify as black gay/bi/SGL/queer men to share ideas and insights. We seek to support contributors with resources, support and training. We co-publish with you, share copyright, and when possible recognise your efforts with payment.
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Find out more about Rotimi Fani-Kayode
British Journal of Photography
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