"Carry Me Home" is the debut photo book by Wellington-born artist Tommie Love. It is a personal story that unfolds as a series of chapters, each delving into different facets of Tommie’s journey, navigating his multi-layered experiences and identity as a young queer person from a New Zealand-African perspective. The story follows Tommie’s Tigray heritage and parents' immigration to New Zealand, to finding his voice and celebrating the individuals and community who support him.
This project holds a unique place in New Zealand's history as the first book to explore the an African queer experience in Aotearoa. Tommie utelises his story as a vehicle to delve into a personal account, sharing both the beauty and the difficulties encountered along the way.
"Carry Me Home" captures not only my narrative but also serves as a broader exploration of the complexities within the African queer community in New Zealand. It's more than a book; it's a celebration of resilience and a recognition of the diverse tapestry that shapes our identities.
Title: Carry Me Home Year: 2023 Photographer: Tommie Love Design and publisher: Ted Whitaker/ Black Wax Press Dimensions: 180mm x 240mm Pages: 64 Edition of 200
