Explorations of old Senegalese stamps and visual element that constitute our day to day life made me realize how subjected we are to colonial imagery. Despite being manufactured in Sweden, these matches are one of the main ones being sold in Senegal. Growing up without fully grasping the understanding of whiteness, but with the certain unease and discomfort of knowing your skin has to come with a layer of shame first. Many constant past representation of those who look like you gave you an understanding of how you’re expected to move in the world. Being simultaneously sold and refused the myth of beauty. But it’s our world and we’ve got to write ourselves in it. Time and time again. As much as necessary.
Photography & Photo Editing / Yannis Davy Guibinga @yannisdavy
Creative direction & Graphic Design / Aminata Mboup @iyeketi
Model / Aminata Mboup @iyeketi
Shot at KH Institute
References:
o1: “The Palmtree, 3.7x1.5x5.2 (cm), 1930. Made in Sweden. Small box of matches emblazoned with a lithograph print showing a black figure in front of several palm trees. The black figure is holding a sickle and has a yoke across his shoulders with water jugs. The man depicted in the image is believed to be a slave or indentured labourer. “
o2: Octavia E. Butler’s appearance on Charlie rose in 2000. “You got to make your own worlds, you got to write yourself in. Whether you were a part of the greater society or not, you got to write yourself in.”