When was the last time art made you pause—not just because of its beauty but because of the story it told? At Obodo’s “In Queer Feminist Joy & Resistance” cocktail reception, art didn’t just tell stories—it shattered oppressive narratives, celebrated joy as a form of defiance, and reminded us of the power of collective liberation.
This vibrant event invited attendees to explore the intersections of art, resistance, and feminist movements through a queer Nigerian lens. Hosted in collaboration with CHEVS during Art Week, it was an evening packed with panel discussions, film screenings, and exhibitions that sparked conversations on joy, survival, and visibility.
What Does Joy Look Like as Resistance?
Imagine a room filled with voices challenging oppression—not through anger alone but through laughter, color, and creativity. That was the energy of this space. Moderated by Tracian Meikle, a powerhouse panel featuring Amam Azike, Eje Diedjomahor, and Richie Wills unpacked how queer feminist perspectives push back against systems of criminalization and invisibility. The audience didn’t just listen; they engaged, laughed, and nodded in agreement, proving that joy can be as loud as protest chants.
The event was a love letter to resilience, showing how queer feminists are flipping the script on who gets to tell their story and how.
It wasn’t just a safe space—it was a brave one, that unapologetically amplified the voices of those often silenced.
Two Exhibitions That Stole the Spotlight
1. Politics of Queerness
Co-curated by Chisom Peter-Job and Tracian Meikle, this exhibition explored how queer individuals navigate societal power structures in a world designed to limit them. Seven artists brought their perspectives to life through mediums as varied as:
- Rachel Seidu’s photography: Raw, intimate depictions of queer existence in spaces that resist it.
- Ajay Abalaka’s animation: Stories brought to life in vibrant, moving images.
- Sigil’s bead and clay artistry: A fusion of tradition and queerness that reclaims space.
Each piece wasn’t just art—it was a statement saying loudly “I refuse to be erased.”
2. When Womxn Gather
Jessica Longdon’s multidisciplinary project delved into the vibrancy of Black femme community, celebrating how womxn across the African diaspora use joy and communal experiences as tools of resistance. By exploring music, culture, and historical legacies, Longdon captured the nuances of Black femme life—both its beauty and its defiance.
Why This Matters
Art that challenges oppression doesn’t just exist—it persists, even in the harshest environments. Events like “In Queer Feminist Joy & Resistance” remind us why we fight for safe spaces where these voices can thrive. Joy isn’t a luxury; for marginalized communities, it’s survival.
And perhaps that’s the biggest takeaway: joy and art go hand in hand as powerful tools for liberation. They give us permission to hope, to push back, and to imagine a world where we all belong.
If joy is freedom, then this event was a vivid illustration of it!
