ONYX

Photographer Adrienne Raquel's captivating imagery in her book "ONYX" portrays the empowerment and inclusivity in strip clubs that society has tended to ignore. The series focuses on the performers themselves, elevating the images from straight reportage to curated and highly intentional compositions. Raquels photography has broken glass ceilings for Black female photographers, and for this passion project commissioned by Fotografiska New York, she has turned her lens towards a community of underrepresented artists in her hometown. The book celebrates the performance and artistry of its dancers, showcasing their strength, seduction, and the virtue of the space they occupy.

Format: Hardback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 13 April 2023
Publisher: Damiani

This captivating monograph pays homage to the remarkable performance and artistic prowess of its dancers, showcasing their exceptional talents and captivating presence on stage.

Vanity Fair lauds this book as a vital catalyst for discussions surrounding the Black female body, with Raquel positioned as a pioneering figure in the realm of provocative image-making.

Aesthetica recognizes the series for its unique approach, which prioritizes the performers themselves rather than merely presenting straightforward reportage. By elevating the images beyond mere documentation, the series achieves a curated and highly intentional aesthetic.

Raquels captivating imagery captures the empowerment and inclusivity that often go unnoticed within strip clubs, a societal perspective that tends to overlook these spaces. Through her lens, she unveils a vibrant world where dancers reclaim their power and redefine the concept of stripping on their own terms.

Creative Review applauds photographer Adrienne Raquel for her exploration of the intensity and escapism inherent in nightclub experiences. In her project, ONYX, Raquel delves into the realm of Houstons renowned Club Onyx, capturing the remarkable power of the performers who grace its stage.

Raquels photography, known for its editorial nature and featuring high-profile celebrities as subjects, has shattered glass ceilings for Black female photographers. However, for this passion project commissioned by Fotografiska New York, she shifts her focus to a community of underrepresented artists in her hometown.

At Club Onyx, the dancers step onto the stage, baring their bodies, strength, and seduction. However, there is a profound virtue to this particular space. The club's ambiance is often described as "they don't get naked," emphasizing the negotiation and self-definition that takes place within the realm of stripping.

Raquel harnesses her signature glossy photographic style to capture the essence of southern strip culture and the profound impact of these performers. From powerful images that capture the dancers in mid-movement to intricate shots and intimate portraits, her striking images vividly showcase the divine beauty and captivating energy that permeates Houston's nightlife. She also provides a behind-the-scenes glimpse, offering viewers a window into the community the dancers have built together.

In essence, this captivating monograph celebrates the performance and artistry of its dancers, providing a profound testament to their exceptional talents and the transformative power of their art form. Through Raquels lens, we are invited to witness the empowerment, inclusivity, and beauty that emerge within the world of strip clubs, challenging societal perceptions and inviting us to embrace the diversity and richness of the human experience.

Weight: 1252g
Dimension: 249 x 303 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9788862087926