This new exhibition is a testament to the radical creativity of the Black LGBTQIA community
BY ELLA GAUCI, IMAGE OF VALERIE MASON-JOHN BY MICHELE MARTINOLI
The Terrace and Courtyard Rooms of Somerset House have been filled with a defiant celebration of love, resistance, and the creative force of Black queer histories. Making A Rukus! Black Queer Histories Through Love And Resistance, running from 11 October 2024 to 19 January 2025, invites visitors to immerse themselves in an archive unlike any other – a vibrant testament to the radical creativity and resilience of Black LGBTQIA communities in Britain.
Curated by filmmaker and rukus! Federation co-founder Topher Campbell, the exhibition delves deep into decades of activism, artistry, and community, all captured through the lens of the pioneering rukus! archive. Featuring over 200 objects, including archival treasures, newly commissioned works, and contemporary art, this is not merely an exhibition – it’s a rallying cry, a celebration, and a memorial.
This exhibition’s journey begins with the story of the rukus! Federation itself, born from the friendship and creative partnership between Campbell and photographer Ajamu. Through film, photography, and personal ephemera, the exhibition paints a vivid portrait of two visionaries whose work transcended the boundaries of art and activism. Highlights include The Homecoming: A Short Film About Ajamu, presented alongside rare behind-the-scenes artefacts.
The following rooms amplify the broader stories of Black queer lives in Britain, spotlighting a tapestry of contributors – from poets and playwrights to activists and academics. Visitors can explore club culture as a site of liberation, where music, dance, and desire converge to forge spaces of community and resistance. Evan Ifekoya’s immersive installation, A Score, A Groove, A Phantom, A Rukus!, promises a multisensory exploration of these vibrant cultural hubs.
Complementing the exhibition is a rich public programme, from curator-led tours to creative workshops and discussions with luminaries like Sola Olulode and Kamari Romeo. With a pay-what-you-can policy, Making A Rukus! ensures accessibility while maintaining a steadfast commitment to inclusion.
Find out more here: somersethouse.org.uk/whats-on/making-a-rukus
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