Zanele Muholi stands out in About Face as one of the few Black African artists to achieve genuine global fame. Muholi plays a pivotal role in advocating for queer liberation in their native country, South Africa, despite significant challenges. As a self-described “visual activist,” Muholi’s commitment was met with setbacks from violent threats to stolen equipment. But his work perseveres to become vivid portraitures of Black queer South Africans that promote public understanding of the nation’s complex sociopolitical landscape.
Muholi’s art has evolved alongside the still rampant homophobic violence in South Africa. The result is a progressively intricate cycle of work. Among them are extraordinary self-portraits subverting stereotypes associated with African artists in the Western art world, which simultaneously critique South African homophobia through a nuanced exploration of identity, representation, and activism.
Future of Queer Art
About Face stands not only as a celebration of queer art but as a testament to the transformative power of diverse voices within the LGBTQ+ community. Through exploring the multifaceted history of queer art, the collection makes a powerful statement on the richness and variety inherent in queer artistic expressions. The breadth of artworks and artists featured also reminds us of the importance of having a critical perspective on gender and sexual identity.
As we navigate through the vivid and evocative works of artists like Del LaGrace Volcano, Leonard Suryajaya, Keith Haring, and Zanele Muholi, About Face becomes a point of consensus for acknowledging the stories of intersectionality and resistance within diverse LGBTQ+ experiences. It reflects on the past 50 years of queer art and will propel us towards a more inclusive future.
With critical engagement from both artists and scholars, the book About Face is not just an eye-catching compilation. There is depth and context added to the visuals coupled with an extended exploration of the nuanced, complex, and evolving expressions of queerness in art. In a world where mainstream representations often fall short, this book becomes a beacon, illuminating the diversity, resilience, and creativity inherent in the LGBTQ+ experience.
Get your copy of About Face on the publisher’s website.
