“The day the sun turned black” is a visual story exploring the commonality of the Human experience through a collective, unplanned and seemingly extraordinary occurance. Taking place in a fictional world created by the photographer, the series tells the story of the world's first ever total eclipse. Inspired by the works of playwrights like Robert Wilson and Francesca Zambello and the visual language of stage plays, this series brings back a lot of common elements from Guibinga's work, such as vivid colors and the use of silhouettes and shadows for storytelling purposes. While the story moves and the characters and scenes change, the audience's perspective stays the same, reminding the viewers of the perspective one has while seating and watching a stage play.
The series unfolds in a sequence of dramatic tableaux, each meticulously composed to highlight the interplay between light and darkness, symbolizing the eclipse itself. The characters, captured in moments of awe, fear, and wonder, embody a range of emotions that transcend their specific context, making the experience universally relatable. The use of vibrant hues contrasts starkly with the encroaching darkness, creating a visual tension that mirrors the emotional stakes of the narrative.
"The day the sun turned black" is a meditation on the shared moments that define our humanity. Through its blend of vivid imagery, theatrical composition, and evocative storytelling, it invites viewers to reflect on their own experiences of wonder, fear, and unity, reminding us that even in the darkest moments, there is a common light that binds us all.
Featuring:
Aichatou, Nick, Saffron, Dominique Kano, Vlad Vilain