An exclusive exhibition at AKAA 2024, featuring a powerful collaboration with photographer Leslie Kee and actor Billy Porter, celebrating queer African identities and self-love.
Photographs by Leslie Kee featuring Billy Porter.
The Norm Queer Agency has been commissioned by AKAA (Also Known As Africa), France’s premier contemporary art fair focused on African art, for its first-ever queer African art exhibition, “QUEER BLACK & LOVED”. The exhibition will run from October 18-20, 2024, at the VIP Lounge inside of Carreau du Temple, Paris, offering a platform to uplift African LGBTQ+ voices.
Amplifying LGBTQ+ Voices in the African Art Scene
With the theme of “QUEER BLACK & LOVED,” this exhibition seeks to challenge societal norms, foster acceptance, and acknowledge queer African artistry and identities. Notably, as of 2024, 31 African nations still criminalize homosexuality, making this exhibition a stepping stone to promote pride and resilience
Curated by The Norm Queer Agency, a pioneering LGBTQ+ consulting agency in art, design, and culture, the exhibition will feature a photographic series focused on the themes of self-love and queer identity.
Special Collaboration with Celebrity Photographer Leslie Kee and Billy Porter
“QUEER BLACK & LOVED” will unveil an exclusive photography series by internationally acclaimed photographer Leslie Kee, featuring Emmy and Tony Award-winning actor and LGBTQ+ activist Billy Porter. This series is a powerful tribute to Porter’s African heritage, dance, and queer identity, furthering the message of self-love and acceptance that defines the exhibition captured by Kee’s talent.
VIP Experience at AKAA
AKAA VIP members will have exclusive access to the exhibition, housed within the fair’s largest space, a 54m² VIP lounge and bar designed around the themes of selflove and queer identity. VIP guests will be treated to Kee’s photography with stateof-the-art furnishings and access to a full bar. This collaboration creates an immersive, luxurious experience for attendees and sponsors alike.
Sponsorship Support from Belmond Hotels
Belmond Hotels has generously sponsored the ‘QUEER BLACK & LOVED’ team by supporting boarding in their fieldwork, and research study in Africa. The company’s commitment to promoting inclusivity and supporting queer African art has been invaluable.
The Norm Queer Agency
Founded by advertising creative director, art curator, and LGBTQ+ activist Erick Ricardo, The Norm is a consulting agency that bridges the gap between queer artists, brands, and cultural institutions. Since its inception, The Norm has been organizing queer art shows across Mexico City, Madrid, and Paris, helping to create platforms for LGBTQ+ talents worldwide. The Norm’s partnership with AKAA solidifies the agency’s commitment to elevating queer artists on a global stage.
QUEER BLACK & LOVED at AKAA 2024
AKAA and The Norm Queer Agency invite you to experience the “QUEER BLACK & LOVED” exhibition to celebrate queer identity, culture, and the ongoing fight for acceptance.
The exhibition will be on view at the VIP Lounge inside of Carreau du Temple, Paris, during AKAA Art Fair.
