Bakersfield Black Magazine
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Black Media
  • Celebrity
  • Lifestyle
  • Health
  • Fashion
  • Beauty & Hair
  • Events
  • Love
  • Recipe
  • Travel
Bakersfield Black Magazine
  • Home
  • Black Media
  • Celebrity
  • Lifestyle
  • Health
  • Fashion
  • Beauty & Hair
  • Events
  • Love
  • Recipe
  • Travel
No Result
View All Result
Bakersfield Black Magazine
No Result
View All Result

Quil Lemon’s First Solo Show Is Not Only Philly-Coded But Pays Homage to the Power of Black Gay Manhood

September 7, 2023
in Lifestyle
Reading Time: 8 mins read
A A
0
Home Lifestyle
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter


Being the primary or one of some to perform a uncommon feat can turn out to be an unwarranted burden. For Quil Lemons, a superb photographer who has captured the likeness of many greats throughout genres, he stays centered by means of the energy of his identification and upbringing. It’s these tenets that knowledgeable the gathering that can be on show in his first ever solo present, Quiladelphia.

Via masterful imagery paired with thought-provoking messaging, Quiladelphia sheds mild on the Black male kind and its various iterations and meanings. The present can be housed on the Hannah Traore Gallery and can be on view beginning September 6 by means of November 4, 2023. Via this area that Lemons has curated, he prioritizes Black queer pleasure and a glance into life as a Black queer man—all whereas concurrently difficult boundaries of comfortability and sexuality.

Forward of the present’s opening, Quil Lemons frolicked chatting with EBONY about his influences, being Philly born and bred and the way a Black queer consciousness informs his artwork.

EBONY: In 2021, you grew to become the youngest particular person to {photograph} the lead picture used on the quilt of Self-importance Honest. How has your world opened up since then? 

Quil Lemons: It was actually enjoyable. All of it occurred so quick, and it has been just a little little bit of a whirlwind however in one of the simplest ways. Since then, I simply really feel like I have been to so many various locations I’ve dreamed of going. Now I do know these cities just like the again of my hand in the identical means that I do know my hometown of Philly. I’ve a really visible reminiscence; if I am going to anyplace as soon as within the daytime and doubtless twice at evening, I’ll most likely endlessly bear in mind it. A lot gratitude for that and for attending to know myself so nicely in my early 20s. I do not suppose many Black individuals get that probability.

How have you ever been in a position to construct group amongst different Black photographers on this inventive area that is always evolving?

I really feel like collaboration is a large a part of this journey. I would not be capable to make photos as a photographer if I didn’t have a gaggle of individuals round me that supported the imaginative and prescient and really use their palms to assist me deliver the concepts in my head to life. Lots of occasions, people who I am working with—together with my topics—share an identical lived expertise as me. I needed to ask individuals into that sense of group and having considerably of a say in what we had been doing, as photos are how we make which means. I invited so many individuals from totally different walks of life to be shot for this undertaking. I needed to fully democratize the concept of who was going to be in entrance of my lens and who’s deemed “worthy” of being shot. I believe my curiosity is the opposite factor that retains this dialog of collaboration and openness as a typical theme in my tasks.

In what methods has your upbringing in Philly been rooted in your work and the observe that you’ve got developed over time by means of your pictures?

I believe Philly instills a sure sense of humility that I do not suppose will ever depart me. I really feel prefer it’s simply the one place the place nobody cares how I establish and individuals are simply comfortable for me to be alive and in a position to assist myself. These are issues that run in my household and likewise inside everybody in my metropolis since you simply do not actually get to see that always. Being from the neighborhood I grew up in, I’ve such an appreciation for the larger issues that I do as a result of I do know that this wasn’t promised. Rising up there, the median earnings of town was underneath $30,000 and having entry financially to do half of what I do on a day-to-day foundation is such a rarity. At 26, I do not take it flippantly and it grounds me. It grants me a full perspective of life. 

How have the aforementioned sentiments contrasted or aligned along with your selecting to call this new present Quiladelphia?

Philadelphia is town of concord, which is a precept that like everyone within the metropolis actually takes to coronary heart. There’s such a kinship rising up in that area, and each particular person from Philly has such sturdy Philadelphia satisfaction. I can not escape my upbringing, and I am by no means actually making an attempt to, because it’s such a particular place. I believe that’s the place I can at all times attribute my drive and ambition to. On the identical time, it is a metropolis the place individuals actually prefer to “put that sh*t on” and put on dope issues however that is as a result of they work actually onerous for the issues that they do have.

However I would not be Quil if I hadn’t lived in Philly. Residing right here has knowledgeable my masculinity from a younger age, and the way I needed to disrupt that. I really feel like I’ve completed that all through my whole profession with various things however this present is only a greater assertion. Quiladelphia is actually my viewpoint that additionally gives intimacy and love in the identical means that I really feel like my metropolis has provided me.

How did you method the curation of items that you simply determined to incorporate in Quiladelphia, which is your first solo present?

I believe that I needed to outwardly discover how implanted the concepts of being “he/him” have been onto my physique due to my genitalia. But additionally, how my masculinity was at all times in response to the truth that I grew up with all actually sturdy girls; it was much more nuanced. I noticed them have a way of masculinity in ways in which males had been missing when it got here to stability, maturity and intelligence. I watched girls balancing and navigating having each [feminine and masculine] energies in a means that was actually attention-grabbing, and I believe that anybody in Philadelphia will inform you that the ladies from our metropolis are very sturdy.  Once I go to different locations, I see girls play into extra of a stereotypical position, whereas I really feel like the ladies of Philadelphia play all roles. In observing that, I felt like my understanding of masculinity was fully totally different from that of everybody round me and that I wasn’t limiting my exploration of that. For me, masculinity has at all times felt like extra of a query versus one thing that has been strictly outlined.

In my method to creating this work, there are loads of issues that went on. It was loads of introspection and simply determining who I used to be on this present second, and what that meant for Black queer consciousness. What does queerness imply as a determine however then as a Quil Lemons {photograph}? What does imply to different individuals? Then I thought of how the phrase “homosexual” has turn out to be a blanket assertion from slurs to queerbaiting as a way to reclaim the time period. Lots of these items aren’t actually homosexual. In sure circles, it is cool to be homosexual, however not truly homosexual. I am totally about it, although. Nevertheless, in Philadelphia, that phrase is so freely used and has been integral to how I communicate even. I did not like seeing the co-opting of a queer expertise by means of artwork and media by means of all of these items. I am truly homosexual, and I needed to include these items into what this work is making an attempt to say. On the identical time, I needed to make issues that had been so distinctive and area of interest about my Black homosexual expertise with themes had been so much deeper, like the need of intimacy or sensuality. I went into unpacking photos that I do not suppose I’ve ever been given the area to curate and questioning why that was. As somebody who’s been profitable with my work previously, I did not need to deliver limits to the work concerning the way in which that we identify ourselves as a result of I do not suppose they should affect it. That is what outdoors society is for. I needed to enter the world of constructing one thing new.

Beneath are a number of photos from Quil Lemons’ present that at the moment are on view.

Quil Lemons, Quiladelphia, 2023. Picture: courtesy of Quil Lemons.

Ray, Quiladelphia, 2023. Image: courtesy of Quil Lemons.

Ray, Quiladelphia, 2023. Picture: courtesy of Quil Lemons.

Untitled, Quiladelphia, 2023. Image: courtesy of Quil Lemons.

Untitled, Quiladelphia, 2023. Picture: courtesy of Quil Lemons.

Thugpop, Quiladelphia, 2023. Image: courtesy of Quil Lemons.

Thugpop, Quiladelphia, 2023. Picture: courtesy of Quil Lemons.

Matt, Quiladelphia, 2023. Image: courtesy of Quil Lemons.

Matt, Quiladelphia, 2023. Picture: courtesy of Quil Lemons.

Jabari, Quiladelphia, 2023. Image: courtesy of Quil Lemons.

Jabari, Quiladelphia, 2023. Picture: courtesy of Quil Lemons.

Quiladelphia 2, 2023. Image: courtesy of Quil Lemons.

Quiladelphia 2, 2023. Picture: courtesy of Quil Lemons.

Grant, Quiladelphia, 2023. Image: courtesy of Quil Lemons.

Grant, Quiladelphia, 2023. Picture: courtesy of Quil Lemons.



Source link

Tags: BlackGayHomageLemonsManhoodpaysPhillyCodedPowerQuilShowSolo
Previous Post

White Discusses the First 10 Drugs Selected for Medicare Price Negotiation

Next Post

Kamala Harris College Tour Starts At HBCU Amid New Biden Polls

Related Posts

Snoop Dogg explains how LGBTQ storyline in kids’ movie threw him for a ‘loop’
Lifestyle

Snoop Dogg explains how LGBTQ storyline in kids’ movie threw him for a ‘loop’

August 25, 2025
Uoma Beauty founder and trailblazer, Sharon Chuter dies unexpectedly at 38
Lifestyle

Uoma Beauty founder and trailblazer, Sharon Chuter dies unexpectedly at 38

August 24, 2025
Ray Daniels asks at Invest Fest, ‘Who owns the culture?’
Lifestyle

Ray Daniels asks at Invest Fest, ‘Who owns the culture?’

August 24, 2025
Small luxuries shouldn’t feel like guilty secrets anymore
Lifestyle

Small luxuries shouldn’t feel like guilty secrets anymore

August 24, 2025
5 toxic patterns that prove you’re a secret people-pleaser
Lifestyle

5 toxic patterns that prove you’re a secret people-pleaser

August 24, 2025
Serena Williams reveals they’ve already had Venus’ bachelorette, offers marital advice as sister prepares to marry fiancé Andrea Preti
Lifestyle

Serena Williams reveals they’ve already had Venus’ bachelorette, offers marital advice as sister prepares to marry fiancé Andrea Preti

August 23, 2025
Next Post

Kamala Harris College Tour Starts At HBCU Amid New Biden Polls

U.S. Open, Rhode Island’s First Black Congressman and more

U.S. Open, Rhode Island's First Black Congressman and more

This is how Cedric the Entertainer’s grandfather inspired his debut crime novel

This is how Cedric the Entertainer’s grandfather inspired his debut crime novel

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
Discover Brand Transformation And Wellness In A Reset Program

Discover Brand Transformation And Wellness In A Reset Program

March 18, 2024
Black Homelessness – African American News and Issues

Black Homelessness – African American News and Issues

November 26, 2023
Shock as 2 men try to strike deal for lesser charge, saying items they stole were being offered on sale anyway

Shock as 2 men try to strike deal for lesser charge, saying items they stole were being offered on sale anyway

December 17, 2023
Why most goals fail and how to finally achieve yours

Why most goals fail and how to finally achieve yours

April 1, 2025
Family and friends mourn Nigerian bride-to-be who slumped during her bridal shower and died

Family and friends mourn Nigerian bride-to-be who slumped during her bridal shower and died

August 30, 2023
Marijuana holiday 4/20 coincides with Easter and Passover this year. Here’s what to know

Marijuana holiday 4/20 coincides with Easter and Passover this year. Here’s what to know

April 21, 2025
Dr. Chavis to Lead Protest for Economic Justice

Dr. Chavis to Lead Protest for Economic Justice

August 25, 2025
Snoop Dogg explains how LGBTQ storyline in kids’ movie threw him for a ‘loop’

Snoop Dogg explains how LGBTQ storyline in kids’ movie threw him for a ‘loop’

August 25, 2025
Augusto Pinochet Henchman Eugenio Berríos Caught in ‘Black Cocaine’  

Augusto Pinochet Henchman Eugenio Berríos Caught in ‘Black Cocaine’  

August 25, 2025
What Netflix just unleashed in Philadelphia and Dallas

What Netflix just unleashed in Philadelphia and Dallas

August 25, 2025
Karoline Leavitt Branded ‘Aggressively Stupid’ as Ex-MSNBC Host Drops Crushing Clip of Her Worst Slip-Ups

Karoline Leavitt Branded ‘Aggressively Stupid’ as Ex-MSNBC Host Drops Crushing Clip of Her Worst Slip-Ups

August 25, 2025
Is Southwest Airlines’ New Refund Policy Anti-Plus-Size?

Is Southwest Airlines’ New Refund Policy Anti-Plus-Size?

August 25, 2025

Popular Story

  • Suki & Rollie Get Into Heated Fight In ‘Baddies East’ Teaser

    Suki & Rollie Get Into Heated Fight In ‘Baddies East’ Teaser

    593 shares
    Share 237 Tweet 148
  • PulteGroup’s Jim Zeumer Responds to Black Employees’ Lawsuit and “Noose Meeting”

    592 shares
    Share 237 Tweet 148
  • Scents of Power: The Best Fragrances for Black Men and Women This National Fragrance Day

    592 shares
    Share 237 Tweet 148
  • Pamela Anderson The Latest Cover Girl For Elle Magazine

    591 shares
    Share 236 Tweet 148
  • Angela Rye and Jalen Rose Step Out As A Verified Couple

    591 shares
    Share 236 Tweet 148
Bakersfield Black Magazine

Brows the Latest Black News on Bakersfield Black Magazine. Beauty & Hair, Black Media, Celebrity, Events, Fashion, Health, Lifestyle and More News.

Categories

  • Beauty & Hair
  • Black Media
  • Celebrity
  • Events
  • Fashion
  • Health
  • Lifestyle
  • Love
  • Recipe
  • Travel
  • Uncategorized

Recent News

  • Dr. Chavis to Lead Protest for Economic Justice
  • Snoop Dogg explains how LGBTQ storyline in kids’ movie threw him for a ‘loop’
  • Augusto Pinochet Henchman Eugenio Berríos Caught in ‘Black Cocaine’  
  • DMCA
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Contact us

Copyright © 2023 Bakersfield Black Magazine.
Bakersfield Black Magazine is not responsible for the content of external sites.

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Black Media
  • Celebrity
  • Lifestyle
  • Health
  • Fashion
  • Beauty & Hair
  • Events
  • Love
  • Recipe
  • Travel

Copyright © 2023 Bakersfield Black Magazine.
Bakersfield Black Magazine is not responsible for the content of external sites.