Beau Profaned (Skin Deep)

Skin Deep -(Peau Profaned)

Painting exploring the notion of blackness and identity and the diversity of blackness and black people. Defined as one homoginised group black people do not come in with one shade. From Albino, vitiligo, brown, blue black the various shades of black people is as diverse as the regions of Africa in which black people originate from. This painting is a nod the diversity and beauty of black beauty from the African disiopora.

Painted on wood panel the painting was created during a period in 2018-19 when I was exploring portraiture in African Art and reading a lot of literature on shadism and how it affects identity. Painted in oils the painting is a powerful portrait of a woman proudly embracing her natural hair and beauty. South Africans with albinism are among the most marginalised and vulnerable citizens.Their persecution is almost entirely based on myth and superstition. Witch doctors operating in southern Africa believe their body parts possess magical powers. Some think that possessing their limbs can ensure better health, and will bring good luck to the owner.

The idea is beyond ridiculous, but it is ultimately tragic. On the other side of the coin, some witch doctors also teach the idea that albinos are cursed. The crackpot theories range from the ideas that they are trapped spirits, to being the living souls of colonialist invaders.Those living with albinism are also at risk of sexual assault and rape. The falsely-believed notion that having sex with an albino can cure HIV / AIDS is not a real scientific fact, but it is a real, terrifying threat.

MediumOil on boardSize55cm x 125cm x 6cm Year2019