The brand new self-portrait exhibition focuses on black ladies photographers
A new group exhibition at the North London Arts Space Home features original work by 13 photographers who have stood in front of the lens. The exhibition entitled The Self Portrait, which takes place in collaboration with WePresent, shows countless interpretations of the topic, which illuminate the nuances and experiences of black photographers and at the same time expand the concept of photography and self-portrait.
According to Ronan Mckenzie, who curated both the exhibition and the contributions it contains, the show is about "introspection, reflection and space and attention to the inner conversation that takes place at work," and there are numerous references to it creative process of the photographer throughout.
Above: Amaal Said. Above: Ronan Mckenzie
It begins with a poignant self-portrait by Adama Jalloh, known for her quietly eye-catching monochrome photographs that stand over her gear. Similarly, Christine Ebenezer's picture shows the photographer holding both the viewer's eye and the remote control of the shutter release. The presentation of the images is at times used to evoke ideas related to the medium of photography, from Joy Gregory's stream of viewfinder self-portraits to the reflective frame that surrounds Jennie Baptiste's picture in space.
McKenzie's triptych now contains a stack of books by pioneering artists and photographers, a symbol of her identity as an artist and researcher in the context of art history. Props appear elsewhere in the exhibit as various photographers draw nature with flowers and foliage that are used for both protection and enhancement.
Christina Nwabugo
Olivia Lifungula
"The self-portrait is a celebration for black women photographers and shows the nuance not only of the stories we tell, but also of the people behind the lens who tell them," continues Mckenzie. "The show is an appreciation of the value of archiving the photographic history of black photographers in the UK while visualizing and remembering the people who were at the forefront (or behind the scenes) of that story."
Another exhibition, Ain’t I Soft, hosted by Home, runs in tandem, using fabric and furniture to explore the identity of black women.
Lucie Rox
Jennie Baptiste
Tino Chiwariro
Amaal said
The selfie runs through June 27th at home in North London and can also be viewed online. homebyrm.space