Pinar Yolacan’s ‘Maria’ series features women from the Bahia region in Brazil that was colonized by the Portugese. Almost every woman living in this region has "Maria" in her full name, so Yolacan definitely picked the appropriate name for her series.
Clothing and accessories were purchased from local merchants and some of the women are wearing testicles, placentas and organs from animals.
Yolacan’s use of a black backdrop truly captures the expressions and feelings of oppression in all of these women. According to a Riveting Arms, "The series is about colonialism and the damage it has done to cultural identity."
Pinar Yolacan’s ‘Maria’ series reminds me of the picture of Indians along the Trail of Tears—they were forced to move away from their territory and were stripped of their cultural identity, an impact that is still felt among many American Indians today.
Oppression as Art
‘Maria' Series by Pinar Yolacan
Trend Themes
1. Cultural Identity Exploration - Pinar Yolacan's 'Maria' series explores the impact of colonialism on cultural identity.
2. Controversial Artistic Expression - Yolacan's use of clothing and accessories made from animal parts challenges societal norms and pushes boundaries in the art world.
3. Representation of Oppression - The black backdrop used in the 'Maria' series effectively captures the expressions and feelings of oppression faced by the women from the Bahia region.
Industry Implications
1. Art and Photography - The 'Maria' series presents disruptive opportunities for artists and photographers to address social and cultural issues through their work.
2. Fashion and Accessories - Yolacan's use of locally-sourced clothing and accessories in the 'Maria' series opens up possibilities for sustainable and ethically-driven fashion.
3. Cultural and Historical Preservation - The exploration of colonialism's impact on cultural identity in the 'Maria' series highlights the need for industries involved in cultural and historical preservation to address these issues effectively.