Life Drawing at Ajamu Studios
Drawing the Black body, drawing on Queer experience.
A huge thanks to Ajamu X - iconic artist-photographer, curator, archivist and activist - for making the time and providing the space and creative spark to make these life drawing experiences so special.
When we were approached by Ajamu X o offer life drawing in his South London creative haven, there was only going to be one answer. Absolutely, YES! The ride was amazing. Working with him was an honour and a privilege.
From the beginning, our vision and Ajamu’s vision for the sessions were aligned - to highlight his critical work around Black LGBTQIA+ experiences and to celebrate the body-positive. In aid of this, Life Drawing at Ajamu Studios features models from the global majority - still very much underrepresented as artists’ subjects - who accentuate and celebrate the thrust of his work and their own inimitable Queerness, regardless of sexuality.
Notably, many of the models were posing for the very first time (as part of our Starkers Academy for new and developing life models), taking that first step in realising the creative and discursive power of their bodies, not to mention adding to the richness and diversity of the art subject arena.
…everyone can draw and every body is beautiful.
Kink and Draw
Kink and Draw became an integral part of Life Drawing at Ajamu Studios experience, featuring a different model each month bringing their own, special style of art-nude kink.
We’re nothing if not inclusive, an approach to making, creating and participant engagement that we take seriously and constantly seek to stretch, grow, cultivate… In keeping with this, participants were free and encouraged to dress in their favourite gear - kink, cosplay etc. - with all levels of drawing ability are welcome (and also encouraged).
“Amazing experience overall!!”
Natasha P., Participant, Kink and Draw
“I have ADHD, and I thought it was going to be too much for me, focusing. But, the length of poses, the timings, everything… It helped me regulate. Once I started, I didn’t want to stop.”
Venus, Participant, Kink and Draw
Models - Past, Present and Future
