In the early 21st century, black men are influential trendsetters in fashion, music and culture. This increased prominence however, has not had an impact on the state of high vulnerability still experienced by black men- as illustrated by disproportionate rates of incarceration the UK and USA. Dandyism, with its emphasis on dress and flamboyance, is examined as radical personal politics and a provocative counter to stereotypical representations and physical objectification of black masculinity. This exhibition seeks to consciously problematise ideas of a male identity through dress and deportment that is arresting, tantalising, louche, camp and gloriously assertive.
Black men’s style is a form of radical personal politics, argues the curator of a new photography exhibition
A stunning exploration of black male identity and dandyism
From South Africa to Senegal, London and Jamaica, a new photography show explores how Dandyism has deconstructed gender tropes surrounding the black male
Ekow Eshun explores the history of the black dandy