# Role-Reversing Racial Photography This Photo Series Portrays Black Models as 17th Century Masters By Christopher Magsambol | Published 2015-09-24 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/racial-photography References: [beautifuldecay](http://beautifuldecay.com/2015/09/14/maxine-helfman-tackles-complex-racial-issues-taking-photographs-black-models-posing-flemish-traditional-costumes/) & [maxinehelfman](http://www.maxinehelfman.com/) Maxine Helfman created an powerful [racial photography photo series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/african-identity) based on fictional role-reversal. In the series, Helfman photographs black models dressed in traditional 17th century Flemish clothing that was worn by the era's high society. The collection, called "Historical Correction" is able to tackle [complex racial issues](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/barbie-3) by simply suggesting an alternate historical narrative. Through art, Helfman is able to provide an option of reversed history, even though it never existed. Aesthetically, the [portraits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/glass-portraits) are done accurately, including outfits, poses and lighting. Helfman is able to address current cultural and racial tensions by looking at the past and by acknowledging its injustices. Helfman's goal is not to incite controversy, but to simply to invoke a dialogue with viewers across the globe. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.4/10 - Popularity: 93% | Activity: 90% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Role-reversing Photo Series:** The concept of reversing roles can be applied to various industries to challenge existing norms and create alternative perspectives. - **Reimagining Historical Narratives:** By reframing historical narratives, there is an opportunity to bring attention to past injustices and promote greater social awareness. - **Using Art for Social Commentary:** Visual arts can be used as a means of addressing complex social issues and initiating important conversations in society. ### Where This Applies - **Fashion:** Fashion designers can explore the use of historical attire and create alternative interpretations that challenge current fashion trends. - **Film and Television:** Content creators can reimagine historical narratives and present alternative perspectives in films and TV shows, raising awareness about social issues. - **Education:** Educators can utilize art and visual aids to educate students on different perspectives of historical narratives and promote social awareness. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Time-Altering Digital Portraits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/time-machine-feature.md) - [Celebratory Photo Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sonic-editions.md) - [Diverse African Doll Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/creativesoul.md) - [Travel-Inspired Canvas Paintings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-passport-series.md) - [Colonial History Art Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/raise-the-roof-building-for-change.md) - [Diversity-Focused AI Image Generators](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ai-image-generator.md) - [Color Photography Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/profiles-in-color.md) - [Unretouched Photography Books](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dove-reimagine-beauty.md) - [AI-Generated Poetic Photo Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/emilio-alarcn.md)