event

Opening Ajamu X Us in the Frame

Join us on Thursday, 17 July for the opening of Us in the Frame by Ajamu X. During this evening, we will explore what it means to archive from Black queer perspectives together with the artist and guest speakers J.G. Basdew, JeanPaul Paula en Bete van Meeuwen. No traditional panel, but a rhythmic, instinctive curated programme filled with space for encounter, nuance and vulnerability.

During this evening, artist JeanPaul Paula will show a performance that is physical, concentrated and ritualistic in nature, with the body acting as both a sculptural and political medium.

JeanPaul Paula, 2025 © Ajamu X.
JeanPaul Paula, 2025 © Ajamu X.
JeanPaul Paula, 2025 © Ajamu X.

About the event

How can archives function as lively places? Foam invites you to participate in a programme that approaches archiving as a relational, affective and political practice - and not as something static or neutral. We celebrate the work of Black queer photographers and archivists who not only capture images, but also preserve energy, voice and history.

Listen, watch, reflect—and come together in a space where archiving is approached as an act of love, visibility and connection.

Bete van Meeuwen, 2025 © Ajamu X.

About the exhibition

In light of Pride Amsterdam 2025, Foam is proud to present Us in the Frame by darkroom & fine art photographic artist Ajamu X in collaboration with guest curator J.G. Basdew.

The exhibition reflects on the importance of black queer archiving, with a specific focus on photography and lens-based practices, while exploring the position that black queer image-makers currently occupy within the Dutch photographic and cultural landscape.

read more
Black Queer Archiving: Questioned at the Intersection, 2025 © Ajamu X.
Ajamu X and JG Basdew, November 2024 Photo courtesy of the artists in collaboration with Shane Sutherland

explore connections

Opening Ajamu X Us in the Frame