Photo by Asafe Ghalib, from “Queer Immigrants”
2024 Booooooom Photo Awards Winner: Asafe Ghalib
Asafe Ghalib was born in Nilopolis, on the outskirts of Rio de Janeiro, and has been based in London since 2013. They work primarily with the medium of photography in collaboration with the LGBTQIA+ community. As a self-taught artist, Ghalib has been exploring their own identity and relationship to the environment they inhabit, exploring photography as a way of survival and an opportunity to tell stories that are being neglected.
Did you get into photography when you were growing up in Brazil or was it something you picked up after moving to London?
Creativity has always been a part of my life. Growing up in a family of musicians ignited a spark in me to create. I would transform plastic bottles into flowers and sculptures and I began drawing and painting at a young age. My background is as a painter, but when I moved from Brazil to England, I connected with my true self, as I didn’t have the family references and religious dogmas to blur my consciousness. Photography became a vital tool for self-expression and a means of exploring my identity within the community. My practice revolves around self-discovery and understanding myself as a queer person from South America.
What do you see as the defining moment from your journey as a photographer so far?
The defining moment in my photography journey was realizing that I am an artist first, and I use photography as a tool of self-discovery. It allowed me to explore the unseen aspects of my life. Coming from a very religious background, I initially had limited access to the LGBTQ+ community. As I began to understand my sexuality and identity, everything started to come together for me.
What’s the story behind your winning image? How did it all come together?
The winning image emerged from a spontaneous process. We didn’t have a set plan; I prefer to keep things open for magic to happen. All my work takes place in my living room, where I cook breakfast, prepare coffee, and then move to my studio. It was a beautiful day in southeast London when I photographed Rihanna, the model, wearing a stunning garment designed by Christopher. The image captures an incredibly special moment in my career.
Your work is described as embracing rebellion as a means of reclaiming identity. How do you see photography as an act of rebellion?
I think for most of us, living our true self, it’s already an act of rebellion. And being an artist and talking about those issues, it’s an act of rebellion. And overall, I think existing in a world where we cannot be ourselves and love who we want to love without the fear of death threats, going to jail, family abandoning you, all those traumatic experiences… choosing love is an act of rebellion.
Can you describe a photo that you currently have somewhere in your home? What is it, who took it, and what do you like about it?
I have a cherished photograph of my mom and me on my fifth birthday in Rio de Janeiro. In the picture, my mom is wearing a white shirt and black trousers while I’m behind my birthday cake, ready to serve her the first slice. The backdrop features blue balloons hanging by a window, and both of us are smiling warmly at each other. This image encapsulates my childhood and my journey of reconnecting with my heritage after living in London. I also surround myself with photos of my siblings and friends to foster a sense of belonging, as I’ve often felt like an immigrant in my own country.
What’s the best piece of advice anyone ever gave you?
The best advice I received was to pursue what genuinely inspires me, to create for myself and trust my instincts, while being patient as I seek inspiration.
