In her recent photography series, Viviane Sassen uses light and dark shadows to create a visual Africa through photography that question perceptions of African identity. Sassen describes the series as her "white period." Her provocative title makes a statement about Western perceptions of Africa as a general, impersonal identity. The obscured faces and shadowy figures speak to the Western tendency to group Africans into a single culture or identity.
Sassen accomplishes this statement series with visual finesse, offering viewers a broad palate of visual flavors, from lush flowers and gardens to stark city landscapes, dusty pickups and concrete walls. Most photos are lit by brutal midday light, allowing stark contrast between dark shadows and highlighted colors, adding to the symbolism of blinded perception.
African Identity Photography
Vivian Sassen's Photographic Survey of Visual Africa is Gorgeous
Trend Themes
1. African Identity Perception - There is an opportunity to disrupt Western perceptions of African identity by challenging the notion of Africa as a single, monolithic culture.
2. Visual Representation of Africa - There is an opportunity to disrupt the tradition of representing Africa as a place of darkness and poverty by showcasing the beauty and diversity of the continent.
3. Creative Photography Techniques - There is an opportunity to disrupt traditional photography techniques by using light and shadows to create a new and impactful visual language.
Industry Implications
1. Photography - The photography industry can benefit from exploring new methods of representation to create a more diverse and inclusive visual culture.
2. Marketing and Advertising - The marketing and advertising industry can benefit from rethinking the way Africa is portrayed to create more effective and authentic messaging that resonates with diverse audiences.
3. Art and Fashion - The art and fashion industry can benefit from incorporating innovative photography techniques to create new visual experiences that challenge and inspire the audience.