Joel Quayson: Navigating Faith and Queer Identity in Art

Ghanaian-Dutch visual artist Joel Quayson is currently showcasing his work at the Maison Européenne de la Photographie (MEP) in Paris, with his exhibition titled "How Do You Feel." Quayson, who won the 2025 Dior Prize for Photography and Visual Arts for Young Talents, explores the complex interplay between faith, cultural heritage, and queer identity. His prize-winning video piece, also named "How Do You Feel," serves as a meditative self-portrait that delves into his personal experiences and conflicts.

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Quayson's work is deeply influenced by his upbringing in a devout Christian household in the Netherlands, where he was born to Ghanaian parents. The video juxtaposes two contrasting identities: the "good son," shaped by religious expectations, and a rhinestone-clad ballroom dancer, symbolizing queer joy and defiance. The repeated question, "How do you feel?" acts as both a mantra and a call for radical honesty, challenging the silence and stigma often associated with queer identities within religious contexts.

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The video was created during Quayson's second year at the Royal Academy of Art in The Hague and was submitted to the prestigious Rencontres d'Arles under the theme "Face-to-Face." This context highlights the significance of his artistic journey and the critical reception of his work within the contemporary art scene.

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In an interview, Quayson reflects on the themes of vulnerability, family pride, and the potential for faith, culture, and queerness to coexist rather than remain in opposition. He emphasizes the importance of addressing these dualities in his work, inviting viewers to engage with their own feelings and experiences.

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While Quayson's work has been celebrated for its exploration of identity, some critics argue that the tension between faith and queer expression remains a contentious issue. The challenge of reconciling these aspects of identity continues to provoke discussion within both religious and LGBTQ+ communities.

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Quayson's exhibition "How Do You Feel" will be on display at the Maison Européenne de la Photographie until April, offering audiences an opportunity to engage with his exploration of identity and the complexities of human emotion in a visually saturated world.

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• “ becomes both mantra and reckoning, an invitation to radical honesty in the face of silence and stigma.” — Joel Quayson, Artist

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• “In conversation with arts24, Quayson reflects on vulnerability, family pride and silence, and on whether faith, culture and queerness must remain opposing forces, or whether they can coexist.” — Joel Quayson, Artist

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