Quil Lemons (b. 1997, South Philadelphia) is a New York-based artist and photographer whose work tenderly reimagines the intersections of Blackness, queerness, masculinity, and kinship. Lemons received his B.A. from Eugene Lang College at The New School. His practice is deeply rooted in personal mythology, using the camera to build worlds where softness is a form of resistance and beauty becomes a site of liberation. His images oscillate between the intimate and the iconic, drawing from familial archives, fashion fantasy, and queer futurity to forge a visual language that is at once poetic, political, and defiantly tender. In 2021, he became the youngest photographer to create the lead image for the cover of Vanity Fair. His work has been exhibited at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the International Center of Photography, Hannah Traore Gallery, and internationally across both fine art and editorial platforms. In 2023, Lemons launched a capsule collection with Sky High Farm Workwear titled Farm Boys Do It Better, and served as Contributing Art Director for the brand for one year, bringing his artistic vision to a new intersection of fashion and social impact. Lemons’ vision is a meditation on care—how we hold one another, how we see ourselves, and how we might be seen anew. He offers not just pictures, but portals.
In this intimate profile, Quil Lemons speaks about his vision to radically center Black queer identity in contemporary photography. The article traces his journey from South Philadelphia to the art world, detailing his influences, aspirations, and the political tenderness at the heart of his work.
At just 23, Lemons made history as the youngest photographer to shoot Vanity Fair’s official Oscar portraits. This editorial series captures stars in raw, luminous form, channeling a spirit of quiet intimacy that redefined the glamour of awards season.
This deep dive into Lemons’ groundbreaking cover shoot for Vanity Fair unpacks the process, politics, and cultural impact behind the image. The feature spotlights his distinct ability to merge editorial photography with activist portraiture.
Lemons opens up about his personal project 67%, which examines biracial identity through staged, stylized self-portraits. The feature emphasizes his visual vulnerability and the radical honesty that defines his lens.
In a feature tied to his solo show Quiladelphia, Lemons discusses the art of seeing—and being seen. The interview explores the themes of family, softness, and sexuality that run through his black-and-white portraits, inviting audiences into a deeper encounter with his subjects.
This early profile of Lemons’ GlitterBoy series explores the project’s origins and emotional stakes. It positions his work as a poetic rebuke to toxic masculinity—an offering of freedom, glitter, and grace for Black boys everywhere.
We asked a handful of our favourite photographers to look back at 2019 and remember it through the photographs they took. From i-D contributions to personal pictures of friends, family and strangers on the street, this is Quil Lemons: My Year in Photos.
In time for his grandmother’s 67th birthday, photographer Quil Lemons partnered with WePresent to create 6 7, a photo series documenting a family block party in his hometown of Philadelphia. The photographs encourage people to think of their own families, while also considering what it means to be a Black American.
During his residency at Twenty Summers, Quil Lemons presented new photographs and drawings capturing the landscapes, faces, and figures of Provincetown. He discussed his creative process and the themes explored in his work.
As part of the “INWARD: Reflections on Interiority” exhibition, Lemons participated in a panel discussion exploring the use of smartphones in contemporary photography and the introspective themes present in the featured works.
In conversation with our US editor-at-large Elizabeth Goodspeed, the photographer sheds light on putting megastars at ease, fostering new voices in photography and creating a loving space for Black queer boys.
Lemons’ work was featured in this exhibition curated by Antwaun Sargent. During the curator’s tour, discussions included the fusion of art and fashion photography and the representation of Black bodies in contemporary visual culture.
In this panel discussion, Lemons and designer Taofeek Abijako explored the concept of legacy in creative industries. They shared personal experiences and insights on how their backgrounds influence their work and the importance of representation in fashion and art.
In this episode of The Cutting Room Floor, hosted by designer Recho Omondi, Quil Lemons discusses his journey as a young NYC-based photographer. The conversation delves into his experiences in the fashion industry, his creative process, and the challenges he’s faced in carving out his unique space within the photography world.
In this candid conversation on Throwing Fits, Quil Lemons delves into his journey as a photographer, discussing his creative process, experiences in the fashion industry, and perspectives on identity and representation.
In this bonus interview, Lemons shares insights into his career, artistic influences, and the stories behind some of his most iconic photographs.
Quil Lemons joins host Gem Fletcher to discuss his artistic journey, the impact of his “GlitterBoy” series, and how he navigates the intersections of masculinity, queerness, race, and beauty in his work.
In this episode, Lemons delves into his solo exhibition “Quiladelphia,” exploring themes of Black queer identity, vulnerability, and the power of authenticity in reshaping societal narratives.
Lemons talks about maintaining creative focus amid global challenges, the importance of amplifying Black photography, and his personal experiences during the pandemic.
Lemons talks about maintaining creative focus amid global challenges, the importance of amplifying Black photography, and his personal experiences during the pandemic.
Lemons’ first solo exhibition, “Quiladelphia,” offers an intimate exploration of Black queer identity through monochromatic imagery. The series delves into themes of vulnerability, sensuality, and self-acceptance, drawing inspiration from artists like Robert Mapplethorpe and Lyle Ashton Harris.
As part of the “INWARD: Reflections on Interiority” exhibition, Lemons participated in a panel discussion exploring the use of smartphones in contemporary photography and the introspective themes present in the featured works.
Lemons’ work was showcased in "Detour," highlighting contemporary photographic practices and the diverse experiences of Black Americans.
As part of a visual arts initiative, Lemons' photography was displayed at the David H. Koch Theater, intersecting the worlds of dance and visual storytelling.
Lemons’ inaugural series, GLITTERBOY, was showcased at the 500px headquarters as part of the Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival. This exhibition marked the North American debut of the series, which challenges traditional notions of Black masculinity through the use of glitter.
As part of the Kuumba Festival, celebrating Black History Month, Lemons’ work was featured in an exhibition that highlighted contemporary Black artists exploring themes of identity and culture.
This groundbreaking traveling exhibition featured Quil Lemons among 15 international Black photographers redefining the visual language of fashion and art photography.
Aperture Gallery — New York, NY · 2019
The inaugural presentation of the exhibition, introducing audiences to a new generation of image-makers.
Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) — Baltimore, MD · 2021
Hosted at the Meyerhoff Gallery, showcasing the fusion of art and fashion photography.
Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) — Detroit, MI · 2021-2022
Featured over 100 photographs, including additional works by local Detroit-area photographers.
Cleveland Museum of Art — Cleveland, OH · 2022
https://www.clevelandart.org/exhibitions/new-black-vanguard-photography-between-art-and-fashion
Saatchi Gallery — London, UK · 2022-2023
The exhibition’s UK debut, highlighting the global impact of the featured photographers.
Museum of the African Diaspora (MoAD) — San Francisco, CA · 2022-2023
The first and only West Coast presentation, emphasizing new perspectives on race, beauty, and gender.
Sarasota Art Museum — Sarasota, FL · 2023
Included in the museum’s newest exhibitions, offering insights into contemporary Black portraiture.
Nordiska Museet — Stockholm, Sweden · 2022
Showcased as part of the museum’s commitment to presenting diverse cultural narratives redefining the visual language of fashion and art photography.