Rotimi Fani-Kayode Explores the Studio as a Safe Space

As a seasoned gamer with a passion for art, I found myself captivated by the upcoming exhibition at Autograph in London – The Studio – Staging Desire by Rotimi Fani-Kayode. Being an avatar who’s traversed countless virtual worlds, I can relate to the sanctuary of his Brixton studio as a creative haven for self-expression and freedom.


As ART X Lagos unfolds in Nigeria, Autograph in London is preparing to reveal a potent solo exhibition featuring the photography of Rotimi Fani-Kayode, who was born in Lagos. In an enthralling exhibit of black and white portraits, The Studio – Staging Desire pays tribute to the artist’s Brixton studio, a place that offered a safe space for creative self-expression among London’s Black queer community.

As I delve into this extraordinary exhibition, I find myself immersed in Fani-Kayode’s world through a collection of rare archival photos and unseen works. From 1983 until his untimely passing in 1989, his studio transformed into a sanctuary of love, liberation, and self-expression amidst the vibrant racial and cultural tapestry of London. His work, filled with symbolic gestures, poses, and an eerie sense of yearning, encapsulates a unique language of intricate desire and diversity.

A prominent figure in modern British art, Fani-Kayode encourages viewers to delve into unexplored aspects of individuality and selfhood. By skillfully blending Yoruba spirituality with a daring style of portrait photography, these images showcase the journey Fani-Kayode undertook as an ‘outsider’, transforming this experience into the driving force behind their artistic endeavors, as described by the gallery in a statement.

The exhibition titled “The Studio – Staging Desire” is set to be displayed at Autograph’s gallery in Shoreditch, London, starting from October 31, 2024, and continuing until March 22, 2025.

Autograph
Rivington Place
London EC2A 3BA
UK

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2024-10-28 20:25