Ayana V. Jackson, Case #33 I (2013)

Case #33 I is part of Jackson’s larger series Archival Impulse. In this series, Jackson critically examines nineteenth and twentieth century photography taken for ethnographic purposes – or to document racial differences.
Jackson stages her photographs in a way reminiscent of the photography of this period, such as Bertall. This work s trying to show how colonial photography was a staged performance of scientific objectivity. Jackson is tapping into the concept of photography as a theatrical space through the color blue. The subject wears an elaborate necklace and hair ornament, which stand out due to their brilliant blue color in the sea of brown of the photograph. Jackson encourages the viewer to question the photography of this period through this use of color.

She is tapping into the concept of photography as a theatrical space where new ways of thinking about race can be constructed. By using these brightly-colored accessories, Jackson gives the subject a sense of dignity and personal ownership.

(Jennifer Bunkley)