“I try to bring out the spiritual dimension in my pictures so the concepts of reality become ambiguous and are open to reinterpretation.”
- Name: Rotimi Fani-Kayode
- Born: April 20, 1955
- Died: December 21, 1989
- From: Lagos, Nigeria
- Pronouns: He/him
- Contribution/Impact: Rotimi was a photographer and artist who brought Yoruba culture into the West throughout his projects in his life. He explored the tensions created by sexuality, race and culture through stylized portraits and compositions.
- Occupation: Photographer, Artist
- Known For: Adebiyi (1989), Every Moment Counts (1989), Nothing to Lose XII (1989)
- Awards: His work has been featured posthumously in many exhibitions and retrospectives in the United Kingdom, France, Austria, Italy, Nigeria, Sweden, Germany, South Africa and US.
- Interesting Facts: He has gained a lot more followers and inspired more people after his death.
At a young age, Rotimi and his family escaped to London in order to get away from the Nigerian Civil War. During his life he challenged not only Western but African ideologies on specific beliefs. He is known for founding the organization Autograph: Association of Black photographers. He is considered a genius by his community for always intentionally capturing disorganized chaos and is also known for fusing African religion and spirituality with his art.
Handout
To download the Handout:
- Click on the image
- Right-click and select Save Image As…
- Decorate and personalize the empty space in the image.
- Cut out and use for a selfie to share on our social media page.
- Download a card and envelope template and write about an idea this leader inspires.
- Check out The Attic for more resources and events for Philadelphia’s LGBT+ youth!
This ASI Special event is an ongoing volunteer-led project made by people like you, using multiple educational sources regularly being revised and updated. We would love your assistance if you or your group would like to get involved, learn more here.