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Black British queer photographer and archive curator, Ajamu X, has been at the forefront of genderqueer photography since the early 1990s. To mark the launch of his photography book AJAMU : ARCHIVE, we’re sharing a selection of images from the publication, which unapologetically celebrates queer Black bodies, desire, difference and pleasure activism.
Published in a print run of only 500 copies following the artist’s successful Kickstarter campaign, the artist’s book includes photographic works that have never been exhibited or published before alongside specially commissioned texts from Johnny Golding and Dr Sheena Calvert, contextualising Ajamu’s practice at this pivotal point in his career.
On our blog, you can also read our newly commissioned text from Jason Okundaye, who provides a personal response to the artist’s book and considers the significance of queer erotica in the archives of Black cultural memory.
To celebrate the recent publication of the book AJAMU : ARCHIVE, Autograph has released a special limited edition print of this photograph. Available exclusively in our online shop.
Ajamu signing his limited edition print Power Drill Heels, 22 November 2021. The artist has generously donated this print to our Autograph Editions series to help raise funds to support our charitable arts and learning programmes.
Ajamu is a fine art/commercial photographer and archivist, with over 25 years of experience of exhibiting in museums, galleries and alternative spaces worldwide.
His work includes portraits and self-portraits, which unapologetically celebrate black queer bodies, the erotic senses, desire and pleasure as activism. Find out more on Ajamu's website.
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Banner image: Ajamu X, Aura [detail],1992, © and courtesy Ajamu X
Image gallery: All images © and courtesy Ajamu X
1) Ajamu X, Black Circus Master, 1997 2) Ajamu X, Self-Portrait in Wedding Dress, 1992 3) Ajamu X, Ear, 1999 4) Ajamu X, Feet of Duane Cyrus, Dancer, 1995 5) Ajamu X, Aura, 1992 6) Ajamu X, Long Time Companion, 1992 7) Ajamu X, Self-Portrait on Chez Lounge, 1990 8) Ajamu X, Lovers, 2015 9) Ajamu X, Malcolm Brower, 1993 10) Ajamu X, Bodybuilder in Bra, 1990 11) Ajamu X, Self-Portrait [with Pearl Necklace], 1993 12) Ajamu X, Heels, 1993 13) Ajamu X, Seyon Amosu, Muse [detail], 2020 14) Ajamu at Autograph, 2021 courtesy Renée Mussai
Other page images: 1) Ajamu signing prints of Power Drill Heels at Autograph, 2021 courtesy Renée Mussai 2) Florian Sachisthal, Ext. Hackney Garden - Day 3) Ajamu X, Malcolm Brower [detail], 1993. © and courtesy Ajamu X 4) Ajamu X, Black Circus Master, 1997. © and courtesy Ajamu X
Autograph is a place to see things differently. Since 1988, we have championed photography that explores issues of race, identity, representation, human rights and social justice, sharing how photographs reflect lived experiences and shape our understanding of ourselves and others.
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