ARTIST STATEMENT

Here and now, 

I vow to be one with thee…

In the 1989 song “Here and Now,” Luther Vandross croons about a life-altering love; one that fuels his entire being. While it may be widely contextualized through a romantic lens, there is also a sense of singular declaration—here and now! As in, “I was here, I am here, and I will be here.” This theme encapsulates the Black Queer experience. Black queer folx have always been here, othered, existing often within the fringe, in the underground, with many of our stories untold or forgotten. But what does it look like to proclaim this out loud?

here and now features intimate portraits of Black queer luminaries in the Saint Louis eco-system, embodying the fruitful collaboration between WerQfest and NEU ER WORLD. Through this series of portraits, we aim to reclaim the autonomy of our voices and the stories of our history, past, present, and future. With each image, you see the reclamation of space, the proclamation of being “here and now.” With every smile, glance, and movement, the subjects articulate their stories and reveal their truths, encouraging the viewer to listen intently. 

Black queer stories have always been here and now. Jordan, Maven, Tre’von, Paige, and Steven are here and now.

ARTIST BIO

Co-curated by WerQfest & NEU ER WORLD

WerQfest is an arts and culture festival & media platform highlighting the Black queer, trans and non-binary community. WerQfest aims to use the power of arts & entertainment to create safe spaces & amplify artists, organizations, and voices within the Black queer community.

NEU ER WORLD is a full-service creative agency & art collective focused on activating St. Louisans through physical and digital landscapes with photo, film, design, print, and innovative event spaces.

PRESS

VIDEO