Photographer Stacey Tyrell wanted to compose a series of pictures that demonstrates both her ancestry, as well as confront racial identity issues.
Tyrell is African-Canadian, but has Caucasian ancestors on both sides of her family. However, she isn't usually considered to have Caucasian ancestry. This series of photographs is called Backra Bluid, which is a term that means a white master combined with blood. Tyrell plays with the concept of race, by adding makeup to her face, posing in traditional positions and dressing in clothing that would have been worn back in Colonial times. These pictures are not only stunning, but they are also a stark reminder of times that have passed, and in some cases, continue on today. Stacey Tyrell has done an incredible job of evoking emotion out of her work.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Racial Identity
- Exploring racial identity through art presents opportunities for creative expression and cultural dialogue.
- Ancestry Representation
- Using photography to visually represent complex ancestry can challenge conventional notions of race and promote inclusivity.
- Historical Remembrance
- Artistic depictions of past cultures and experiences serve as powerful reminders and catalysts for reflection on societal progress.
Where This Applies
- Photography
- Opportunities exist to develop innovative photo techniques and visual storytelling methods that explore diverse racial experiences.
- Art
- Artists can utilize their creations to provoke thought and spark conversations about race, heritage, and social equity.
- Cultural Education
- Educational institutions and organizations can incorporate racial identity art into their curricula to foster understanding and empathy.
