May 2019

 

This is a series of darkroom prints featuring media from Ebony Magazine Ads from the year my Mother was born and the year I was born. I juxtaposed phrases that embodied subtle racism targeting lightening skin with bleach cream and taming “unmanageable” hair to fit a European standard. This juxtaposition highlights change and stagnation over decades.

 

RESEARCH & METHOD

 

I used google library to go through digital copies of Ebony Magazine 1964 and 1997. After printing out ads I cut and placed them on a scanner. Using photoshop I edited for contrast. Finally  in the dark room I used darkroom paper and exposed the magazine pieces.