Quil Lemons Publishes First Monograph 'Quiladelphia' With Idea Books, in Conversation With Brontez Purnell
'Quiladelphia,' the inaugural monograph by Philadelphia native Quil Lemons, has been published by Idea Books. This collection showcases over 100 photographs that delve into themes of Black masculinity, queer intimacy, and Lemons' hometown. After ten years of dedication, he has captured Black men with firearms and explored the concept of tucking. In a discussion with Brontez Purnell for CULTURED, he acknowledged the influence of Santigold and Lyle Ashton Harris. Lemons shared his childhood experiences of being labeled a 'white boy' and the intricacies of Black identity. He addressed criticism regarding his essay 'African American Trade' concerning colorism. His self-portraits are seen as dissociative, while his work on tucking and gun imagery reflects both beauty and lived experiences. A trip to Africa with Santigold in spring significantly impacted his identity.
Key facts
- 'Quiladelphia,' Quil Lemons's first monograph, was published by Idea Books and collects more than 100 images.
- The book examines Black masculinity, queer intimacy, and Philadelphia, the photographer's hometown.
- Lemons discussed the project with writer Brontez Purnell in a CULTURED interview.
- Santigold and Lyle Ashton Harris contributed to the book; Lemons said all three occupy Black punk space.
- Lemons was called 'white boy' from ages 7 to 11 over his diction, an early experience of enforced codes of Black masculinity.
- His essay 'African American Trade' in PDF magazine drew criticism that his biracial subject was not 'Black enough.'
- Purnell is the author of '100 Boyfriends' (2021) and said he has 'committed to not healing.'
- Lemons traveled with Santigold to Lagos and Dakar in spring, walking through the Door of No Return.
Entities
Artists
- Quil Lemons
- Brontez Purnell
- Santigold
- Lyle Ashton Harris
- Billie Holiday
- Ajamu X
- Alayo Akinkugbe
- Rotimi Fani-Kayode
- Harley Weir
Institutions
- Idea Books
- PDF magazine
- CULTURED
- IDEA
- The Fader
- Leeds Kitson College
- BLAC
Locations
- Philadelphia
- United States
- Alabama
- Lagos
- Nigeria
- Dakar
- Senegal
- West Africa
- Africa
- Brixton
- London
- United Kingdom
- New York
- Los Angeles
- Toronto
- Canada
- Leeds
- Huddersfield
- Bradford
- Jamaica
- Chapeltown
- Peckham