Queer Art Exhibition in Durban

Durban, February 17th 2024: Art enthusiasts, critics, and members of the LGBTQ+ community are invited to immerse themselves in the vibrant and thought-provoking world of queer artistry at the upcoming exhibition titled “Reflections of Apollo.” This groundbreaking showcase, curated by The Apollo Queer Art Collective, promises to captivate audiences with its exploration of identity, diversity, and creativity.

Reflections of Apollo

14th – 25th of February
The KwaZulu-Natal Society of the Arts (KZNSA)
166 Bulwer Rd, Bulwer, Durban

Reflections of Apollo” invites attendees to delve into the kaleidoscopic realm of queer expression through the lens of seven exceptional artists from around the globe

Featured Artists:

Michael Biello (USA)
Franco Zucchella (Italy)
Raúl Moya-Mula (Spain)
Jose Gomez (Spain/UK)
Peter Garrard (UK)
Quinton Lehnert (South Africa)
Daniel Garbade (Spain/Switzerland)

The Apollo Queer Art collective is an international ensemble of queer visual artists working in varying mediums who have come together to create contemporary queer art inspired by the Greek god Apollo. Building on the rich cultural significance of Apollo and his association with homosexual aesthetics, they offer a modern perspective of Apollo’s story as an analogy for their own lived experiences. ??Each artist chose a color of the LGBTQ+ flag to use not only as a prominent color to depict our art work, but also to draw inspiration from the associations of that color.

Work by Quinton Lehnert Photographer: KZNSA

When the collective was founded in 2021, they chose the Olympian deity of Apollo from classical Greek and Roman mythology as he is considered the Patron of the arts, is associated with male idealized beauty standards and has a history of intimate homosexual relationships. For this project the collective were interested to see the different interpretations and visual expressions that would arise from a group of artists that reside in different countries if they all used Apollo as protagonist.??

The Apollo Queer Art Collective is Renowned sculptor, Michael Biello who brings his unique perspective to the collective, exploring themes of identity through his captivating sculptures.

Italian painter, Franco Zucchella, infuses his work with vibrant colors and expressive brushstrokes, capturing the essence of queer narratives with his evocative canvases.

Work by Michael Biello Photographer: KZNSA

Photographer extraordinaire, Raúl Moya-Mula, hails from Spain, bringing a keen eye for capturing the beauty and complexity of queer existence through his lens.

Jose Gomez, a Spanish artist residing in London, offers a fresh perspective on queer art, blending traditional techniques with contemporary sensibilities to create compelling visual narratives.

Ceramic sculptor, Peter Garrard, from Great Britain, utilizes clay as his medium to explore themes of queerness, intimacy, and connection, crafting pieces that invite contemplation and reflection.

Visual artist Quinton Lehnert from South Africa infuses his work with a sense of activism and advocacy, using his art as a powerful tool for social change and inclusivity.

Spanish-Swiss visual artist Daniel Garbade brings a fusion of cultures and perspectives to the collective, exploring the intersections of identity, queerness, and belonging through his thought-provoking artwork.