The Interpreted Image 2025 S1My name is Chalyn Hugo. I am a portrait photographer, specialising in minimal photography, showcasing the subject as the focal point.
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ARDN631_Chalyn_Hugo_Summative_Photobook_S1_2025
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ARDN631_Chalyn_Hugo_Summative_ Reflective_Statement _S1_2025
For this assignment continuing on the lines of portraiture, but expanding to the concept of portraiture to portrayal. In this project I explore portrayal through identity with hair, focusing on my three flatmates and dear friends through a personal lens. Each of them is represented through their unique hair textures. Intending to celebrate and honor individuality while acknowledging the shared experience to navigate caring for their hair texture. This photo series shows how hair is a symbol and extensive part of our identity and self expression.
My project is called ‘Different by Design, portrayed through texture, stories through strands’. My concept is to capture the three girls and myself in the sequential phases of washed, dried, styled and woven, and how they approach each phase in their routine. Showing the quiet hair rituals that reflect how each individual presents themselves. By focusing on each phase I intended to give praise and appreciation to unique expressions, cultural influence and self expression that’s shown through these private moments.
I've been inspired by many photographers throughout this project, but narrowing it down Lora Simpson and Herb Ritts have been the most influential. ‘Stereo Styles, 1988’ photographed by Lora Simpson, is a powerful display of identity and cultural expression. Hair can be a strong symbol that communicates a deeper story beyond the eye. Herb Ritts, ‘Djimon with Octopus, Hollywood’ is visually impactful, as he plays with surrealism and utilised the light effectively. I’ve drawn inspiration from both these photographers and aimed to apply their influence to my own work. By choosing to shoot all the photographs in a portrait format, I wanted to create a more intimate frame and keep consistency. This approach guides the viewers attention to details that might be overlooked in a landscape composition. This decision supports my theme of intimacy by drawing closer to the subjects personal space. Choosing to capture each individual with a plain background, either white or free of distractions to keep the subjects as the focus.
I decided to do Reagan's shoot in the shower because it’s a raw and intimate space where the process of cleansing the hair begins. This setting allowed for vulnerability to show as she washes and conditions her hair. I’ve asked her to wear a white long sleeve top to enhance the themes of intimate softness and self reflection. I staged Regan’s shoot as I directed her through this process and guided her hand movements and facial expressions. The lighting used for the first half of the shoot was the overhead ambient bathroom light mixed with my warm lamp light, creating an emotional atmosphere. The lighting shift being intentional for the second half, I used the built in flash from my DSLR camera for an exposed and confrontational contrast. Next was Lisa's shoot where I photographed her in her room where shes most comfortable while drying and straightening her hair. This location reflects her personal space and routine. I wanted her to move through her natural routine so I could capture her with authenticity. She wears a green kurta that compliments her skin tone, reflecting elements of her Nepali heritage. Using natural lighting through her bedroom window to create a gentle presence. Her facial expression exuding a calming and natural ease. For Siwe’s shoot I chose to do it in the living room with overhead ambient light. The accent lighting I wanted to utilise as a spotlight for the subject, to give the beaded braids the attention. Asking Siwe to wear a detailed patterned shirt, to symbolise the detail she puts into curating this cultural hairstyle herself. Creating a paired look by being visually interesting and meaningful. I used a white pillow as a reflector to bounce light onto her face, enhancing her powerful facial expressions, some gentle and others strong and fierce. For my personal portion of the project, i’ve taken the self portraits that i’ve included in formative and implemented them into my summative submission, as they align with the themes i’ve explored in my final concept.
In exploration of significant social and cultural issues around beauty standards, I researched into ‘The History of the Afro and The Natural Hair Movement’ written by Maria Antoinette.This led me to realise that not only people with textured hair, but everyone of all hair types often faces expectations of hair beauty standards that go against their cultural identities and beliefs. Throughout shooting each of my flatmates, I became more aware of the differences in hair care routines and gained a deeper appreciation for everyday moments that are overlooked but hold personal significance when caring for their hair. Through this I personally feel i’ve grown as a photographer, when i've realised its not only just about capturing the shot but the significant meaning behind the image. Reflecting on my personal connection to the brief and how i’ve responded to it. I found myself looking at the brief through a deeper cultural and personal lens, which led me to do more extensive research than I initially expected but enjoyed immensely. My response was to highlight self expression through hair with an admiring perspective on each individual’s unique identity.
References
Antoinette, M. (2020, February 17). The History of the Afro and The Natural Hair Movement. the Maria Antoinette. Retrieved May 29, 2025, from https://themariaantoinette.com/2020/02/17/the-history-of-the-afro-and-the-natural-hair-movement/
Pinterest. (n.d.). pinterest.com. Retrieved June 2, 2025, from https://nz.pinterest.com/
Kassel Dummy Award – FOTOBOOKFESTIVAL KASSEL. (n.d.). FOTOBOOKFESTIVAL KASSEL. Retrieved June 2, 2025, from https://fotobookfestival.org/kassel-dummy-award/
Djimon with Octopus, Hollywood. (n.d.). getty.edu. Retrieved June 2, 2025, from https://www.getty.edu/art/collection/object/109FNK
Lorna Simpson. (2019, September 21). Mudam. Retrieved June 2, 2025, from https://www.mudam.com/collection/lorna-simpson
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Chosen raw photographs
These are the original raw photos that I have chosen to put into my summative submission. I’ve made the contact sheet to see everything together and to solidify my decisions, making sure i’m confident with what i’m choosing to put into my photobook.
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Print and cut out for sequencing
Printing and cutting out my formative and recent presentation slides before submission to lay out what I have and getting the sequencing right. I still need to go back and edit them more on photoshop like straightening the lines etc. But here I have changed the sequencing a little by changing one or two photographs and swapping them around in each section, as well as adding my own.
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Post presentation
These are the photos that I've shown for my most recent presentation. I got some feedback and suggestions from the class on what photos I should add from my formative, as well as sequencing. I think my presentation went really well and the class was engaged with my work.
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Week 12 - Draft explanatory document
Here i've written my draft explanatory document. I need to go back and take words out because the word could here is 1200, excluding the references. Finding it a challenge to take words out as I think its all relevant but I will do my best.
Context and concepts - 300 words
Context
For this assignment continuing on the lines of portraiture, but expanding to the concept of portraiture to portrayal. For context, in this project I explore portrayal through identity with hair, focusing on my three flatmates and dear friends through a personal lens in admiration. Each of them represented through their unique hair textures. Intending to celebrate and honor individuality while acknowledging the shared experience to navigate caring for their hair texture. This photo series shows how hair is a symbol and extensive part of our identity and self expression. Hair is seen as merely part of physical appearance, but carrying a deeper meaning its also about power and culture, not only just a stylistic choice but also part of heritage.
Concept
For portraiture to portrayal, my project is called ‘Different by Design, portrayed through texture, stories through strands’. My concept is to capture the three girls in the sequential phases of washed, dried and styled, and how they approach each phase in there routine. Showing the quiet hair rituals that reflect on how each individual presents themselves through their own image. By focusing on each phase I intended to give praise and appreciation to the unique expressions, cultural influence and self expression thats shown through these private moments. These hair rituals aren't just about the appearance but also about self care, the confidence when taking care of your hair and the empowerment you feel when you see the final result of your craft.
Methods in Context - 300 words
The methods used and their influence on the projects outcomes
Methods I used to get inspired, I used Pinterest to search poses and positions that I wanted to direct, as well as creating mood boards for each individual shoot. Visiting the Fotobook Festival kassel website to engage with other photographers photo books. Exploring each of the yearly categories and observing how others sequenced their own photobooks truly inspired me with how i’m able to sequence mine. Using Tumblr to document all my research, ideations and moodboards, have helped me see my work visually layed out so I can get a better understanding on how I want to progress, move forward, and what I can improve on.
I've been inspired by many photographer when approaching this project, but narrowing it down Lora Simpson and Herb Ritts have been the most influential. ‘Stereo Styles, 1988’ photographed my Lora Simpson, is a powerful display of identity and cultural expression. Shes challenging the idea of representation and how hair can be a strong symbol which communicates a deeper story beyond the eye. Herb Ritts, ‘Djimon with Octopus, Hollywood’ is visually impactful, as he plays with surrealism and utilised the light really well. I’ve drawn significant impiration from both these photographers and aimed to apply their influence onto my own work.
Decision making
I’ve chosen to select eight photographs for each individual to represent each hair maintenance phase. Each image providing the necessary elements to show the detailed progression of their phase, and the different moods and expressions to create a clear narrative through each individuals segment.
By choosing to shoot all the photographs in a portrait format, I wanted to create a more intimate frame and keep the consistency. This approach guides the viewers attention to the details that might be overlooked in a landscape composition. This decision supports my theme of intimacy when drawing closer to the subjects personal space.
Choosing to capture each individual with a plain background, either white or free of distractions to keep the subjects as the focus. A minimal background helps to remove visual distraction, also allowing the viewer to stay focused on the message im trying to portray.
Process used
I decided to do Reagan's shoot in the shower because its a raw and intimate space where the process of cleansing the hair begins. This setting allowed for vulnerability to show as she washes and conditions her hair, also asking her to wear a white long sleeve top to enhance the themes of intimate softness and self reflection. I staged Regan’s shoot as I directed her through this process and guided her hand movements and facial expressions. The lighting used for the first half of the shoot was the overhead ambient bathroom light mixed with my warm lamp light, creating an emotional atmosphere. The lighting shift being intentional for the second half I used the built in flash from my DSLR camera for an exposed and confrontational contrast.
Next was Lisa's shoot where I photographed her in her own room where shes most comfortable while drying and straightening her hair. This location reflects her personal space and routine. I wanted her to move through her natural routine so I could capture her with authenticity. She wears a green kurta that compliments her skin tone, reflecting elements of her Nepali heritage. Using natural lighting through her bedroom window to create a gentle presence. Her facial expression exuding a calming and natural ease.
For Siwe’s shoot I chose to do it in the living room with overhead ambient light. The accent lighting I wanted to utilise as a spotlight for the subject, to give the beaded braids the limelight to finish the photo series. Asking Siwe to wear a detailed patterned shirt, to symbolise the detail she puts into curating this cultural hairstyle herself, creating a paired look to be visually interesting and have meaning. I used a white pillow as a reflector to bounce light onto her face, enhancing her powerful facial expressions, some gentle and others strong and fierce.
For my personal portion of the project i’ve taken the self portraits from formative and included them here. I’ve included these because they correspond with the theme of my project and can finalise the project.
Self reflection and summary - 300 words
Environmental impacts and/or cultural, social, and/or historical presidents
In exploration on significant social and cultural issues around beauty standards, I researched into ‘The History of the Afro and The Natural Hair Movement’ written by Maria Antoinette.This led me to realise that not only people with textured hair, but everyone of all hair types often faces expectations of hair beauty standards that go against their cultural identities and belief.
How I enjoyed this project and what its taught me
Throughout shooting each of my flatmates, I became more aware of the differences in hair care routines and gained a deeper appreciation for everyday moments that are overlooked but hold a larger personal significance when caring for their hair. Through this I personally feel i’ve grown as a photographer, when i've realised its not only just about capturing the shot but the significant meaning behind the image.
Personal connection to the brief and how i’ve responded to it
Reflecting on my personal connection to the brief and how i’ve responded to it, the project become more of a meaningful and insightful experience. I found myself looking at the brief through a deeper cultural and personal lens, which led me to do more extensive research than I initially expected but enjoyed immensely. My response was to highlight the self expression through hair with an admiring perspective on each individual and how we are all connected.
References
Antoinette, M. (2020, February 17). The History of the Afro and The Natural Hair Movement. the Maria Antoinette. Retrieved May 29, 2025, from https://themariaantoinette.com/2020/02/17/the-history-of-the-afro-and-the-natural-hair-movement/
Pinterest. (n.d.). pinterest.com. Retrieved June 2, 2025, from https://nz.pinterest.com/
Kassel Dummy Award – FOTOBOOKFESTIVAL KASSEL. (n.d.). FOTOBOOKFESTIVAL KASSEL. Retrieved June 2, 2025, from https://fotobookfestival.org/kassel-dummy-award/
Djimon with Octopus, Hollywood. (n.d.). getty.edu. Retrieved June 2, 2025, from https://www.getty.edu/art/collection/object/109FNK
Lorna Simpson. (2019, September 21). Mudam. Retrieved June 2, 2025, from https://www.mudam.com/collection/lorna-simpson
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Contact sheet - Week 11 - Siwe’s shoot
For Siwe’s shoot I decided to do it in the living room with the overhead lights for the lighting technique, in acts of giving her the spotlight for the last phase of the project. I used a white pillow as a reflector and used her glasses as an advantage to great the sharp golden glare on her face. Experimenting with different hair styles and way to show off the beads that we decided to go for, and present them in the light. I asked her to give me fierce, natural and smiling facial expressions to conclude the series. I outlines the potential photos I want to use for the summative them i’ll do a process of illumination and pick the ones that I think best suit the narrative Im trying to portray.
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Siwe's Mood board
For Siwe’s moodboard I wanted her part to represent the styling/ expression phase of this series. For this shes going to style her 4c hair in braids then put either shells or beads in the braids. Following through with the sequential narrative she will be the last part with hair styling as the final result.
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History of afro
Wearing an afro proudly is to represent who you are as a person and to represent you and your culture. Wearing a natural afro in my opinion is such a power move and exudes strength. I looked into this article and found more on the history of the afro and the natural hair movement, written by Maria Antoinette. In the afro origins & slavery section, she mentions “Hair was used to define roles, hierarchy, status and within the tribes’ community.” Afro textured hair was named as “unkept,” “ugly,” and “unprofessional”. The trauma of slavery has instilled into the black community that wearing your hair other than straight was deemed as unacceptable. During enslavement, they were not only deprived of their freedom but of there cultural identity. Moving onto the natural hair movement that started in 1960s, where the movement is all about embracing who you are and the beauty of everything black. This was an opportunity to reclaim their hair roots and reconnect. This movement has been held up and by the helps of social media has grown bigger then ever. Its all about growing your natural hair and taking care of it the way you know how and keeping it healthy.
Antoinette, M. (2020, February 17). The History of the Afro and The Natural Hair Movement. the Maria Antoinette. Retrieved May 23, 2025, from https://themariaantoinette.com/2020/02/17/the-history-of-the-afro-and-the-natural-hair-movement/
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Kassel dummy awards
youtube
Book Title: LIMBUS MUNDO
By Shaiana Po 布美欣 (Hong Kong)
The first photobook I looked at was ‘LIMBUS MUNDO’ by Shaiana Po. I chose to look at this one to get inspiration of how I want to sequence my photos and place them. In Shaiana Po’s work there is text either next to some of photos or on the page next to it. Po is telling a story through both text and photography. I might do something like this if it helps me communicate better but only using key words or phrases that resonate.
youtube
Book Title: by the apple tree
By Elias Hassos (Bavaria, Germany)
Looking at ‘by the apple tree’ by Elias Hassos, he majority of the time puts the images on the right hand side of the book. I was thinking about doing this like how I did for the formative, or I might do the images double sided i'm not sure yet I need to lay my edited photos out to see what suits better for the portrayal. I took all my photographs portrait to have consistency in my work, I think that portrait framing highlights the personal identity better in my opinion and just wanting too keep that focus on portraits. I plan to put why I chose to do portraits only in my explanatory document with more detail as to why.
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M magazine
https://mmagazine500.lemonde.fr/
No. 371, November 3, 2018. Photography: Oliver Hadlee Pearch for M Le Monde magazine
No. 396, April 20, 2019. Photography: Harley Weir for M Le Monde magazine
No. 553
I decided to look at magazine websites just to get some inspiration for lighting angles for my future shoots. Looking at close ups and headshots because thats what i'm photographing. The resources I looked at where also just really beautiful too look at and found myself getting distracted looking at other covers for different categories. When looking at the fashion covers I was interested to see the colours they used for the cover when in contrast to what the subject was wearing. Theres manipulation in each of these, the first two manipulating hair and the other moving the face. Using slight changes like this moves the photographs meaning by body position and hand placements.
W magazine
https://www.wmagazine.com/fashion/anok-yai-spring-2025-dresses-photos
Photographs by Carlijn Jacobs, Styled by Imruh Asha, May 16, 2025
Looking at this shoot model Anok Yai did with W magazine is so compelling and whats so creative is the use of contrasting colours and the wigs. In every photograph Anok has a different wig style that either blends in with the surrounding or is in such sharp contrast. This shows how you can become different characters and drastically change the way you look just by the colour or cut of your hair.
I-D magazine
https://www.ink.studio/work/i-d-magazine-naomi-campbell
March 2025, Thibaut Grevet shoots Naomi Campbell for issue 374 of i-D Magazine, The Unknown Issue.
Looking on I-D Magazine I found a shoot that Naomi Campbell did, photographed by Thibaut Grevet. We can see soft lighting in these even through the black and white with the hazy feel. Centered composition, close ups and headshots being taken. The blonde wig is adding that Hollywood essence with the high volume. And of course these being taken in a photography studio.
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The politics of Black Hair
Kevin Cokley, an African American counselling psychologist, academic and researcher discuss his personal experience when growing out locs and the negative attitude he received from this. He explained that he had received this from his mother and church mother and brought up the concern for the lack of professionalism. The article is divided into three key sections that I will address.
Politics of Respectability
The term refers to suppressing ones own culture for the comfort of a society, in this case the black community trying to gain respect and acceptance in a dominated space of white people. As we know that the locs hairstyle is rooted in black culture but its viewed as unprofessional in a formal or business setting. The negative attitude towards this seems as encouragement to change someones identity in order to be seen as successful. In the given example that the former Dean at a historically black university had banned locs and cornrows and claimed that it labelled them as unprofessional. This shows that even in black communities the outside values are being pressured and distancing people from their own culture and identity.
Internalised Racism
This section in the article highlights not only how the white cultural standards are being pushed on externally but internally as well and how its affecting the self perception and beauty standards in the black communities. Black hair is such an important part of cultural pride, especially for African American Woman. Considering that their hair has taken priority over body image and compared to the white women.
Race-Based Hair Discrimination
Discussing how race-based hair discrimination is being shown not only in public but in private as well. It also extends to the fact that even though a fast majority of this is aimed at African American women due to the beauty standards, it doesn't eliminate the fact that it includes African American men. Hair for men also shapes their identity and the experiences they have in communities. For example Darryl George who was a Texas high school student who was suspended for a month because he had reused to cut his long braided locs. This then went on to a political matter and the family argued that it had violated the CROWN Act. This proves that hair isn't just a personal statement or expression, but has political and psychological weight.
The Politics of Black Hair - Fighting notions of respectability and race-based hair discrimination. (2023, December 12). https://www.psychologytoday.com/. Retrieved May 19, 2025, from https://www.psychologytoday.com/nz/blog/black-psychology-matters/202312/the-politics-of-black-hair
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Contact sheet - Week 10 - Lisa’s shoot
For Lisa’s shoot I photographed her with natural lighting, using the manual setting on my camera of course had to get the setting right for the change of lighting. I positioned her face away from the light to highlight the details of her hair. I also used a white pillow as a reflective surface to highlight her face. She used two types of hair tools, one being a blow dry brush and the other a straightener. For the process I just told her to do what she would normally to her hair so I could get candids of her in her moment of doing her hair routine. I also staged some photographs as well to get the best position I could. The photographs I outlined in green are potential photographs im going to use for my summative photobook. Picking these photos that are also potential choosings, I wanted to get one photo from each stage of her routine when straightening her hair with the dry brush, sectioning her hair, straightening her hair and the final result. This process I did for reagan as well when I also took out the photos from the contact sheet and selected possible photographs ill be using, and I did the photos that have the same sequence of washing hair.
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Lisa’s Mood board
For Lisas mood board I want to represent her for the blow dry/ straightening or transitioning phase of the creative concept. Using heated hair tools to manipulate the hair and straighten it. Showing a different process that Lisa does in her hair routine and what she does to play and experiment with the hair texture she has.
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Through the lens darkly - Names in the bio
Black Love, 1990 - Carrie Mae Weems
One of the names in the biography is Carrie Mae Weems. She curates many incredible photography portrait series and ‘Black Love’ curated in 1990 is one of my favourites. The three photographs show so little but the meaning behind it is so touching. First we see the woman, back facing us as she looks outside. Then she sees her beloved and hes looking at her with admiration from outside the sheer door. Then hes invited inside and they share a dance. The lighting on these photographs have been well though out, using the outdoor light from the porch to illuminate his face and create the silhouette of the woman. Until he's beside her and he becomes a silhouette.
https://www.carriemaeweems.net/black-love-2
Stereo Styles, 1988 - Lora simpson
Lora Simpson is also one of the names listen in the biography. Here we see one of her works that relates to my current process in photography right now and that is photographing hair. 10 black and white portraits of a black woman with 10 different hairstyles with the same pierce of clothing and composition. The womans identity is being shaped by the hairstyle she obtains and we don’t see her face but the hair does the talking which acts as a symbol to identity. The maintenance we see here is carrying a deeper personal weight which also challenges the beauty standard for women. Some of these hairstyles may be portrayed as messy or unstyled, referring back to the name of this series, Stereo Styles. With the wording in between the photographs like daring, sween, long and silky are intentionally there. These are words that society labels women without knowing what is going on behind the image. These could be words for how society want black women to be or how they are being portrayed. In my personal take Stereo Styles seems to look calm at first look but the more you take in whats actually being communicated it reflects the way women are being judged based on appearances. I found myself thinking about the routines I do when styling my hair, I think that Stereo Styles is quite but loud and challenges the people who view this series to look past the initial image.
https://www.fep-photo.org/exhibitions/lorna-simpson-retrospective/
How Gordon Parks Captured a Different Side of Muhammad Ali
Gordon Parks: Part Two
Gordon Parks, Muhammad Ali, Miami Beach, Florida, 1966
Gordon Parks, Untitled, London, England, 1966
Gordon Parks, Muhammad Ali in Training, Miami Beach, Florida, 1966
Gordon Parks capturing Mahammad Ali in black and white photography the personal side of Ali, the scenes that the public might not see. Some images in this series are him in the public eye bing surrounded by fame and some are the quite areas of his life. Gordon Parks shows us not just Ali as a celebrity but just as a black man navigating fame and the pressures of it in this period of time in America when racism was dividing. Covering the themes of identity with who he is as a black man and using his fame to his ability. Parks shows us through a respectful lens the strength that Ali has not just in the ring but in private too. My Personal take is that when i’ve seen Ali its just been of him out loud in the ring, but after seeing him in the quite moments its humanising and shows him on a deeper lever. This is what im trying to portray in my photography as well, capturing the real and intimate moments of my friends doing their hair from the process to the finish.
https://www.anothermag.com/art-photography/gallery/11285/gordon-parks-part-two/0
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youtube
Inspired by the book Reflections in Black by Deborah Willis
Revisiting this recourse from first year I looked at the biography on the video and It mentioned that its been inspired by the book Reflections in Black by Deborah Willis. A photography, historian and author who has written many book representing black culture, identity and history. I looked more into Deborah Willis’s books online to then research more and gain more knowledge on the photography. The book is about how African American beauty standards have been represented, twisted and challenged since the 1890s to the present. The book includes many photographers capturing black identity through fashion, pop culture and more.
The first photograph I was drawn to was In Harlem, Arlene Hawkins photographed by Eve Arnold in 1968. It Depicts African American model Arlene Hawkins in a simple white dress standing in front of a white brick wall. Shes gazing out the window, perhaps in awe of her reflection, as she sees her skin glowing from the natural lighting. This photograph relates to my project because of the self reflection aspect. Wearing her natural hair in the afro speaks volumes for this photograph, again in relation of how I show my flatmates and their natural hair.
The second Image I was both drawn to the message and the photograph. Anthony Barboza capturing Pat evans in the 1970s, a side profile quarter head shot in black and white. It mentions in the text “For years, African Americans had struggled to fit within the boundaries of white models and photographers, but during the 1970s, African American models were expected to grow and straighten their hair in order to appear more ‘white’ ”. Evans was shocked by the misleading portrayal of African American beauty so she took it upon herself to shave her hair off in protest. The photograph shows that power and beauty in this effortless look. Taken in a studio with the empty background, nothing distracting us from seeing her beauty.
The third photograph Black in White America: Harlem, New York, 1963 was taken by Leonard Freed. This photograph depicts the local beauty contest with the contestants all lined up to be judged. Taken at the most popular time period of televised Miss America pageant. The photograph goes deeper in meaning other than seeing beautiful woman but asks the question why did they create the Miss Black America? And wasn't even until 1984 that a black woman won the title.
Davidson, B. (2019, January 17). Posing Beauty Student Brochure for web. The College of Wooster. Retrieved May 18, 2025, from https://wooster.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/posing-beauty-student-research-compressed-1.pdf
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youtube
Africa is not poor - Mallence Bart-Williams
In the Youtube Video titled Africa Is Not Poor, Mallence Bart-Williams critiques the common belief that Africa is dependant on the western aid. In her TedTalk, she argues her point that Africa is the riches country and redemes the misrepresentation by the western world. She lists and discussed the resources that is being extracted due to the West, and questions the currency value to western currency because it doesn't add up, despite Africa’s known wealth and resources. She discusses the incorrect media representation, how the Western media reinterprets Africa to be in constant need and help, which masks the ongoing exploitation. Shes advocating for a shared respect between Africa and the West, to have mutual respect. The way Mallence spoke with such calmness proves to be a strategic move as well. If she came across as loud and aggressive she would of played into the preconceived notion of stereotypes. She proved her point in such an elegant and engaging way to hold the audiences attention even if they didn’t want to listen to what she had to say. I personally really enjoyed watching her calming comebacks and subtle digs and thought this related to my project with both narratives reflecting deeper ideas of identity.
Africa Is Not Poor (Mallence Bart-Williams @ TEDxBerlinSalon). (2022, December 29). YouTube. Retrieved May 18, 2025, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VtYVqpylLhs
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