I happened upon this series of photographs through a newsletter that I subscribe to, and they are absolutely stunning. African Victorian is a series of 17 photographs by Tamary Kudita, a Zimbabwe-based artist. Each photo blends African culture with Victorian fashion, all with Black women as subjects. The photos are beautiful, but they also reflect on the colonial legacy in Africa and how it continues to shape African identities today. It would be an understatement to say that there is so much going on in these photos. So many stories and themes; legacies that I will never fully understand. On a purely surface level, these photographs are stunningly beautiful. On a much deeper level, they are brilliant.
There are countless works of art that wrestle with the legacy of colonialism. However, I’ve come to realize that most of this art that I’ve personally experienced has come from a western persepctive. It’s only recently that I’ve made a conscious effort to expand that scope, and every time I do, I find something incredible. African Victorian and the work of Tamary Kudita is no exception.
Suggestions for artists I should check out? Please contact me with your ideas. I hope you enjoyed your daily helping of art!
