Beyond Decorum: The Photography of Ik Ud

Dive into the visually arresting and intellectually stimulating world of Ik Ud with "Beyond Decorum: The Photography of Ik Ud." This updated paperback edition offers a comprehensive exploration of the Nigerian-born, New York City-based artist's multifaceted career, spanning photography, performance art, and publishing. Ud, a master of self-portraiture and conceptual photography, fearlessly tackles complex themes of identity, sexuality, and the ever-shifting boundaries between African and postnationalist perspectives. This landmark publication, originally released in conjunction with a traveling exhibition organized by the Institute of Contemporary Art at the Maine College of Art, is the first to comprehensively document Ud's photographic oeuvre. Beyond simply showcasing his striking images, "Beyond Decorum" delves into the core of Ud's artistic vision. He fearlessly explores dualities that define our contemporary world: male/female, mainstream/marginal, seduction/narcissism, and fashion/art. Like Andy Warhol, Ud understands the power of ambiguity in both the marketplace and the art world, a sensibility vibrantly displayed in his notorious art, culture, and fashion magazine, aRUDE. Inside, you'll encounter captivating selections from key series, including the provocative "Cover Girl" series, where Ud reimagines himself on the covers of popular magazines, challenging perceptions of beauty, gender, and representation. "Uli" explores the rich visual language of traditional Igbo art, recontextualizing it within a contemporary framework. "Celluloid" offers a cinematic exploration of identity, while selections from aRUDE offer a glimpse into Ud's editorial vision, blending high fashion with cutting-edge art and social commentary. Further works, namely from the installations of "Beyond Decorum", "Uses of Evidence", and "Project Rear" are also to be enjoyed. But "Beyond Decorum" is more than just a visual feast. It's a critical examination of Ud's work, featuring insightful essays by leading art critics and scholars, including Lauri Firstenberg, Kobena Mercer, Olu Oguibe, Valerie Steele, and Octavio Zaya. These essays provide invaluable context and analysis, illuminating the theoretical underpinnings of Ud's art and its profound impact on contemporary visual culture. The book also includes an enlightening interview with Ud conducted by the renowned curator Okwui Enwezor, offering a rare glimpse into the artist's creative process and personal philosophy. Through his own writing, Ud eloquently articulates the futility of stereotypes and the power of self-representation. "Beyond Decorum" presents Ik Ud not just as a photographer, but as a complete artist: editor, dandy, aesthete, and a vital voice in the ongoing conversation about identity, representation, and the complexities of the globalized world. Whether you are a seasoned art aficionado or simply curious about contemporary photography, this book is an essential addition to your collection. It offers a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of an artist who continues to push boundaries and challenge our perceptions. Prepare to be captivated by Ud's compelling vision and the enduring relevance of his work. This book is a time capsule of the original exhibition, held in 2000 and 2001 across North America, but the works contained within remain utterly contemporary.