Description

In this compelling episode, host Nadia Nagamootoo speaks with renowned photographer, Robert Taylor. Robert discusses his impactful journey from the RAF to becoming an acclaimed artist whose work champions black queer visibility and diversity. Robert shares insights about his pioneering, powerful project, "Permissible Beauty," exhibited at Hampton Court Palace, which creatively explored Black queer representation and challenged traditional beauty standards. Delving deeply into topics such as British identity, the transformative potential of art, and his contributions to LGBTQ+ advocacy and women’s visibility in STEM and academe, Robert's story highlights the power of authenticity, courage, and creative expression in challenging societal norms and fostering inclusion.

Key Takeaways

• Art can challenge traditional standards of beauty and identity, making space for diverse representation.
• Visibility and representation of marginalised groups in heritage spaces can profoundly impact audience perceptions and foster deeper understanding.
• Creating dialogue and opening spaces for previously unheard voices requires courage, intentionality, and a willingness to embrace vulnerability.
• Personal experiences deeply inform artistic expression, leading to transformative social impact.
• Intersectionality and personal identity are crucial in navigating and reshaping societal narratives.
• Active allyship and institutional support are essential in successfully advancing diversity and inclusion projects.

Highlights

• Robert's journey from RAF serviceman to prominent photographer, illustrating diverse pathways to creative expression.
• The Permissible Beauty project at Hampton Court Palace and its groundbreaking portrayal of black queer narratives.
• Exploring Britishness and navigating personal identity within predominantly white and traditional spaces.
• The significant role of chosen families in the queer community, illustrated through the "Four-Sided Triangle" project.
• Capturing portraits of pioneering women for major institutions like the National Portrait Gallery and Oxbridge colleges, showcasing women’s achievements in STEM and academe.
• Robert’s reflections on challenging conventional perceptions of beauty, success, and representation in contemporary art and culture.

Guest Bio

Robert came to photography via the RAF, The Bar, and publishing. His work is held in collections including the NPG, the V&A, and numerous Oxbridge colleges. His work ranges from commercial portraiture to art projects. His many contributions to HIV prevention include a major safer sex education book with Peter Tatchell. Robert has dedicated time to commissioned collections of portraits of women of outstanding achievement in STEM and academe. A 2023 project at Hampton Court Palace explored notions of beauty, from eight black queer perspectives: https://permissiblebeauty.le.ac.uk/.Other interests include offender rehabilitation through the arts, clothing, and jewellery for men.

Links

• Robert Taylor: Website | Instag⁠ram

• Nadia Nagamootoo:⁠ LinkedIn⁠ |⁠ Instagram⁠
• Avenir Consulting: ⁠https://linktr.ee/avenirconsultingservices⁠