#blackgirlmagic: Janelle Monáe’s Queer Afrofuturism
With Dan Hassler-Forest, AiRich and Taneesha Sijmons (themultifacetedwomxn)
Performative panel //
In this richly illustrated talk, cultural theorist Dan Hassler-Forest (Utrecht University), photographer and Afrofuturist world-builder AiRich and dancer Taneesha Sijmons (themultifacetedwomxn) will discuss the artistic vocabulary of Janelle Monáe in the context of the Afrofuturist tradition, with a particular focus on the way in which antiracist creative production is combined with sexuality, love, and desire.
In Janelle Monáe’s work (from music videos and lyrics to films) we see colourful futures where queer Black desire becomes a liberating force. A good example are the iconic vagina pants featured in Monáe’s ‘PYNK’ music video (designed by dutch fashion designer Duran Lantink). Afro-Caribbean visual artist AiRich and dancer, stripper and sex and intimacy coach Taneesha Sijmons (themultifacetedwomxn) will discuss how they engages with these themes and how Monáe has inspired their work. The conversation will be a lively, musical and immersive audiovisual experience that foregrounds the creative power of Black and queer world-builders who use the transformative power of love, desire, and solidarity.
Single ticket for this programme
*On the day of the event, single tickets are only available at the door.
** Online festival passes gives you access to the entire festival programme online. An online festival pass is also included for each day pass. Read more about the ticket types here