The evolving identity of what it means to be African-Australian and the importance of culturally safe spaces are explored in We Outside – a new exhibition on display in the Immigration Museum’s Community Gallery from Friday 14 March 2025.
The visual documentary by Nigerian-Australian photographer Dr Ayooluwatomiwa ‘Ibukun’ Oloruntoba depicts event spaces created by and for young African-Australian adults in Melbourne, Australia.
“We Outside is celebratory slang that captures the joy of coming together – attending events, connecting with friends and sharing meaningful experiences,” said Oloruntoba, who also has a MD and a PhD in the applications of AI in dermatology.
“This project celebrates African-Australian identity – our spaces, our stories and our experiences. It’s about more than documentation; it’s about representation.”
Oloruntoba engaged with event organisers to uncover the challenges they face, the motivations driving them, and the support required for the continued development of these spaces.
Video and images bring to life the resilience, diversity and richness of young African-Australians, offering a glimpse into the complex narrative of this community shaping its identity within the mosaic of Australian society.
“We Outside serves as a testament to the importance of these culturally safe environments,” said Oloruntoba.
Gifted a point and shoot camera by his father when he was younger, the 27-year-old Melbourne-based artist gained inspiration from exhibitions by photographers of African diaspora on a trip to the US, coming away with a desire to use his photography to celebrate and amplify stories from his own community in Australia.
Oloruntoba’s style is often observational, yet there is an undeniable intimacy in his photographs that reflects his active role as a community member and advocate. Using 35mm film, Oloruntoba’s black-and-white images allow the strength of community to lead the narrative throughout this body of work.
“These photos capture the heart and resilience of young African-Australian community in Melbourne so beautifully,” said Museums Victoria Acting CEO & Director Sean Royal. “We Outside also manifests Immigration Museum’s vision to explore self-expression and identity; to build cultural connection and belonging.”
Through showcasing this identity and what it means to be African-Australian, We Outside brings recognition to these events while advocating for their ongoing support.
We Outside
Immigration Museum, 400 Flinders Street, Melbourne
Exhibition: 14 March – 17 August 2025
Entry fees apply
For more information, visit: www.museumsvictoria.com.au for details.
Image: Young African Australians – photo by Ibukun Oloruntoba