Philip Gatward is moving away from his commissioned pieces for the likes of corporate organizations like Nike, Cadbury, Conde Nast and Coca Cola, and has now ventured into a potentially controversial pictorial of indigenous tribes in South Omo, Ethiopia.
Following Edward Said's theory of 'orientalism,' the depiction of "exotic" others is a difficult aesthetic to capture in a politically correct manner due to the eye and curiosity of the photographer. Take a look at Philip Gatward's images and judge its value for yourself.
Ethnographic Portraits
Philip Gatward Captures Photos of Tribes in South Omo, Ethopia
Trend Themes
1. Indigenous Representation - Opportunities in promoting and celebrating the unique and diverse cultures of indigenous communities through inclusive media and marketing.
2. Ethnographic Photography - Innovation in capturing the beauty and complexity of ethnographic subjects through respectful and ethical photography.
3. Decolonizing the Lens - Using photography as a tool to dismantle dominant narratives and power dynamics in the representation of people and cultures.
Industry Implications
1. Advertising and Marketing - Opportunities to create inclusive campaigns that celebrate the diversity of cultures and ethnicities.
2. Photography and Arts - Innovations in the artistic representation of ethnographic subjects that are respectful and culturally sensitive.
3. Social Justice and Advocacy - Opportunities to use photography as a tool to advocate for the rights and representation of indigenous communities in mainstream media and society.