Updated March 6, 2026, at 7:12 pm.
Fine art photographer Ajamu X has his eyes fixed on the future. The Black British LGBTQ+ artist is archiving Black Queer images for future generations. Ajamu X said, “Fierce is a lifelong unfolding global archive in perpetual evolution, and Pittsburgh is the latest iteration.”
FIERCE: Pittsburgh, running from March 5th to May 2nd at the Silver Eye Center for Photography, is a multi-city project (FIERCE: London, FIERCE: Toronto, and FIERCE: Bristol) in which Ajamu X captures the essence of local Black queer culture through intimate portraits that explore sensuality, gender, and queerness, and celebrate pleasure and the Black body.
While Ajamu X’s artwork can be seen in many prestigious museums, galleries, and alternative spaces around the world, FIERCE: Pittsburgh is also Ajamu X’s first solo exhibit in the US. The darkroom and fine art photographer has been capturing the beauty of Black LGBTQ+ people for over thirty years.
Ajamu X’s approach to photography is not just about capturing images but also about creating a narrative that reflects the experiences and struggles of Black Queer people. He uses older techniques. Ajamu X said, “I have taken photographs with a digital camera, but I find the digital images too cold, clean, and sharp. I like to use 19th-century camera techniques, such as platinum/palladium salts printed on heavy paper. It’s a film that you can touch, feel, and smell.”
For FIERCE: Pittsburgh, the photographer collaborated with Rainbow Serpent and its co-founders, Dr. Marques Redd and Mikael Owunna, to enlist local members of Pittsburgh’s Black LGBTQ+ arts community to pose for Ajamu X. The project included Mikyle Celesdriana Johnson, Norman Brown, Bekezela Mguni, Kai Walker, Rian-Louis McNeil, Mo Marshall, Ricky Davii, Michael Tikili, and other prominent members of Pittsburgh’s Black queer culture.
Rainbow Serpent brought Ajamu X to Pittsburgh last year for the photo shoot. They brought him back for the gallery opening at Silver Eye.
Owunna said, “Rainbow Serpent is a non-profit organization committed to advancing Black LGBTQ culture through the exploration of emerging technologies, innovative healing protocols, African cosmologies, and multimedia art. We are dedicated to promoting and celebrating the diversity and richness of Black LGBTQ culture while advancing healing and empowerment within the community.”
The organization works in art, film, dance, technology, Virtual Reality, and other media. Rainbow Serpent’s biggest claim to fame, thus far, was the Three Sisters, the architectural light design that lit up three local bridges, the Rachel Carson Bridge, the Andy Warhol Bridge, and the Roberto Clemente Bridge, which take passengers and pedestrians from downtown Pittsburgh to the North Side and back again. The kaleidoscopic lights adorned the three bridges from November 23, 2024, through December 31, 2024.
Helen Trompeteler, Deputy Director and Director of Programs, for the Silver Eye Center of Photography, said, “We have a longtime relationship with Rainbow Serpent. We believed this was a critical time to show this important work.”
Trompeteler added, “To be fully seen and recognized for all that we are is a fundamental human need, especially in societies shaped by white and heteronormative narratives. When grounded in empathy and collaboration, photographic portraiture gives form to this shared desire for visibility.”
Leo Hsu, Executive Director of the Silver Eye Center for Photography, said, “We were lucky to collaborate with the vibrant arts community in Pittsburgh.”
Darian Reynolds, M. Ed, who also participated in the project, is an educator at Carnegie Mellon University. He said, “The powers-that-be are rapidly trying to erase our history, whether it’s Black history or queer history. We must document and highlight these things. We’re here. We’re not going away anytime soon.”
Fred Quinn, a former Swissvale councilman and another participant, said, “FIERCE: Pittsburgh is highlighting the history and the future of Black queer Pittsburgh. Showcasing our craft and showing the world who we are is magnificent and should be applauded. I hope it grows as big as it possibly can because we all deserve to be highlighted. While the world is trying to erase us, FIERCE: Pittsburgh can highlight us.”
In the back of the exhibit space, a 30-minute documentary about Ajamu X’s first visit to Pittsburgh, where he met and photographed his subjects, delves into the philosophy of his work and features candid moments from the participants.
Ajamu X wants to explore the individuality of his subjects. Ajamu X shared details about his individuality. He said, “I am post-punk and a goth Black man from Northern England.”
Ajamu X added, “Come see some of the fabulous Black Queer people of Pittsburgh.”
On Saturday, March 7, at 11:00 a.m., Ajamu X will discuss the creation of his ongoing global archive, FIERCE. The talk will be followed by a Q&A moderated by exhibition collaborator Dr. Marques Redd and a book signing.
After Pittsburgh, Ajamu X is traveling to shows in Germany and Norway.
FIERCE: Pittsburgh runs until May 2, 2026, at the Silver Eye Center for Photography, 4808 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224.