An agile creative on his personal journey of alignment, Belgian multi-disciplinary artist King Yhukira bares his pride and his artistry for the world to see. His authentic voice and creative perspective reverberate, as he is a reminder that it is our collective responsibility to reclaim queer autonomy within our own bodies, time as well as history. Where authenticity can be championed not as a dangly carrot to entertain short attention spans, but as a considered presence that flows like water between disciplines.

What quote do you live by? 

'I don't live by any specific quote but I love loyalty. I hate fake people.'

What is your favourite place on Earth?

'Barcelona.'

What is the best book you've ever read?

'I don't read a lot of books but I do read tarot cards like a pro.'

What is the one word that best describes you and everything you stand for?

'Intergalactic.'

Mental health has become a central point in our everyday life. How do you keep yourself in check and maintain a healthy mind in a world where we are inundated with signals that may inherently deteriorate it?

‘As a black man living in Europe, I struggled a lot with that because it was hard for me to fit into the system. I’ve always been the weirdo at school and it made me understand that I have a different path. Creating my art such as paintings music and fashion helped me keep my sanity. In order to maintain my mental health I create and develop my skills, it gives me satisfaction and a purpose in this crazy world.’

How do you feel about the state of queer rights in your community and the world over? Do you believe that lawmakers are making progress in effecting holistically democratic and representative policies? What further changes would you like to see?

'I think that people use queer people for their own gain when it is most convenient for them. We don't have rights, we just exist and are fighting for our lives every day. We are 'tolerated' and used for votes. I would like to see our industry thrive and be sustainable by itself. '

What are your thoughts on AI and the future that it has in store for the humanity?

'It’s so scary. Humans are complicated creatures constantly in need of external validation. I can’t totally keep up because I feel like I’m in between two generations. One side of me is totally open to the many changes and developments and the other side of me is like “Do we really need this?"'

What do you prefer between being hot and cold?

'As a queer person, there is so little honesty in our community in terms of relationships and this made me super cold. I like to stay in my lane now and feel like I have experienced enough. I am at a place where I feel I am complete within myself and what a relief that is. On the contrary, I’m really hot when it comes to my art, it gives me space to be myself without thinking about what people could think of me. '

What kind of music are you into?

'As a singer, I write music. My sound is Afrobeats mixed with French variations. I have a wide music taste which inspires me to create original sounds. Recently, I've been listening to Tems' and Tyla's album offerings. There is a Spanish artist called Buika, this woman gives peace to my heart. Lastly, Prince is an inspiration for me because he helped to inspire  a lot of my fashion, art, and musical passions.'

What is your biggest pet peeve?

'I hate snakes.'

Describe what a perfect day in your life comprises?

'Waking up and giving life to all my ideas.'

If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?

'Plaintains.' *chuckles.

Who are your ultimate queer icons? 

'Queen and Prince.'

What would you say is the best show on silver screen at the moment? 

'Good Times. It's a show I really love on Netflix that explores black love.' 

What are you most thankful for? 

'My paintings. I love them like they are a living being. They protect everyone that is around them. They carry this good presence that I cannot really explain.'