Rotimi Fani-Kayode

Wikirotimi

Rotimi Fani-Kayode (20 April 1955 – 21 December 1989) was a Nigerian photographer and artist known for his work exploring themes of sexuality, race, and spirituality. His work often combined elements of Yoruba culture with Western aesthetics, creating a unique and powerful visual language.

Early Life and Education

Rotimi Fani-Kayode was born in Lagos, Nigeria, into a prominent Yoruba family. His father was a politician and a member of the Yoruba aristocracy. Due to political unrest in Nigeria, Fani-Kayode's family moved to the United Kingdom when he was 12 years old.

Fani-Kayode attended various schools in the UK and later studied at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., where he earned a degree in Economics. He subsequently pursued a Master's degree in Fine Arts at the Pratt Institute in New York City.

Career

Fani-Kayode's photographic work is characterized by its exploration of complex themes such as identity, sexuality, and cultural heritage. He often used his own body as a subject, creating images that challenged conventional notions of gender and race.

His work was deeply influenced by his Yoruba heritage, and he frequently incorporated elements of Yoruba mythology and ritual into his photographs. Fani-Kayode's images often featured elaborate costumes, masks, and other symbolic objects, creating a rich visual narrative that drew on both African and Western traditions.

Personal Life

Fani-Kayode was openly gay at a time when homosexuality was highly stigmatized, both in Nigeria and in the UK. His work often addressed the intersection of his sexual identity with his cultural background, creating a powerful commentary on the complexities of living as a gay African man in the diaspora.

He was a founding member of Autograph ABP, an association dedicated to supporting black photographers and addressing issues of cultural diversity in the visual arts.

Death and Legacy

Rotimi Fani-Kayode died on 21 December 1989 at the age of 34. Despite his short career, his work has had a lasting impact on the fields of photography and contemporary art. His photographs have been exhibited internationally and are held in numerous public and private collections.

Fani-Kayode's work continues to be celebrated for its bold exploration of identity and its innovative use of visual language. He is regarded as a pioneering figure in the representation of black and queer identities in art.

Selected Exhibitions

• Autograph ABP, London
• Victoria and Albert Museum, London
• Tate Modern, London
• Guggenheim Museum, New York

See Also

• Yoruba culture
• LGBT art
• Contemporary African art
• Photography