SMO Contemporary Art says its set for the exhibition of 20 thought-provoking photographs collection of social activist photographer Yetunde Ayeni-Babaeko, tagged ‘White Ebony’, which captures the complexity of life that persons with Albinism (PWAs) face daily.
White Ebony will be showcased by Temple Muse for the next two months to support the recognition and protection of persons with albinism in commemoration of the International Albinism Awareness Day, which comes up June 13, every year.
White Ebony challenges preconceived notions on albinism with powerful images, which reflect a renaissance beauty through sensitive lighting, composition, and layered stylistic interpretations. White Ebony takes the viewer on an emotional journey that is filled with nuance as well as controversial in its stark positioning and challenging suggestions.
Each work reflects both internal struggles while working through layers of identity and self-actualisation, and points to the urgent need to stop the stigmatisation of persons with albinism.
“As in her previous exhibitions, which have tackled issues such as the challenges survivors of breast cancer face, or photographing dancers performing within slums to highlight the needs of populations living in shantytowns, Ayeni-Babaeko’s amazing artistry is heightened by her commitment to social change and supporting marginalised communities,” said Sandra Mbanefo Obiago, the exhibition curator and expert in development communications, who has worked on three previous shows with the photographer.
According to Sandra, Ayeni-Babaeko, worked closely with members of The Albino Foundation in Lagos, and after in-depth interviews and insightful group discussions, began interpreting their reality through photographs, which explore both the alienation and struggles experienced by persons with albinism, as well as celebrates their lives and achievements.
Yetunde Ayeni Babaeko, while presenting White Ebony said her work is not just to make audience feel good, rather it is to trigger the audience to think and expand their knowledge.
“It’s easy to create a striking image of a person with albinism because of how unique they are.
But these models were not just put in front of my camera for me to photograph them. I was able to really connect with them through long conversations about their daily struggles, sharing with me what their life is like and all this knowledge translated into this new body of work,” said Yetunde.
Yetunde Ayeni-Babaeko has published work in Germany, with three solo exhibitions and taken part in numerous group shows in Nigeria including the Collectors Series, Eko Moves and Wanderlust curated by SMO Contemporary Art.
White Ebony exhibition runs from 25 May till 19 July, while a portion of the income from sales will go towards supporting people with albinism.
