In many ways, the ordinariness of the photo humanizes black queerness. Mpako and Ayanda Magudulela by Zanele Muholi,  allows us to interact with images of queer black femininity, which is seldom represented in a manner as tender as Muholi’s rendering. Instead of aligning with the idea that the act of holding a queer sexuality must be inherently political for black women, Muholi’s lens softens the veil. The women are captured as any two lovers might be. There are no wilting flowers or pillars of strength in this image. Just a portrayal of raw and blissful humanity… 

We chose to put Mulholi’s piece in conversation with a work by several Smith student artists that was produced this semester. It will be a part of Unblunted Magazine’s upcoming issue. The magazine, which is a Smith College based entity, describes itself as “an online journal collective aimed at highlighting lives, art, and experiences of young, marginalized bodies”.  With Smith being a space which is largely open and accepting of queer identities, we are starting to see works which capture black queerness in a similarly raw and real way.  Again, this image is not a political call to arms, but rather the capturing of an intimate moment between two lovers.

 

Supplementary works:

“Untitled” by Bea Oyster to be featured in “Unblunted” produced by M Molapo and Lily Sendroff

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