# African Identity Photography Vivian Sassen's Photographic Survey of Visual Africa is Gorgeous By Helen Picard | Published 2014-03-28 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/visual-africa References: [vivianesassen](http://www.vivianesassen.com) In her recent [photography series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rhinoceros-gallery1), Viviane Sassen uses light and dark shadows to create a visual Africa through photography that question perceptions of [African identity](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fragments). Sassen describes the series as her "white period." Her provocative title makes a statement about Western perceptions of Africa as a general, impersonal identity. The obscured faces and shadowy figures speak to the Western tendency to group Africans into a single culture or identity. Sassen accomplishes this statement series with visual finesse, offering viewers a broad palate of visual flavors, from lush flowers and gardens to [stark city landscapes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/daily), dusty pickups and concrete walls. Most photos are lit by brutal midday light, allowing stark contrast between dark shadows and highlighted colors, adding to the symbolism of blinded perception. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 0.8/10 - Popularity: 13% | Activity: 3% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **African Identity Perception:** There is an opportunity to disrupt Western perceptions of African identity by challenging the notion of Africa as a single, monolithic culture. - **Visual Representation of Africa:** There is an opportunity to disrupt the tradition of representing Africa as a place of darkness and poverty by showcasing the beauty and diversity of the continent. - **Creative Photography Techniques:** There is an opportunity to disrupt traditional photography techniques by using light and shadows to create a new and impactful visual language. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Photography:** The photography industry can benefit from exploring new methods of representation to create a more diverse and inclusive visual culture. - **Marketing and Advertising:** The marketing and advertising industry can benefit from rethinking the way Africa is portrayed to create more effective and authentic messaging that resonates with diverse audiences. - **Art and Fashion:** The art and fashion industry can benefit from incorporating innovative photography techniques to create new visual experiences that challenge and inspire the audience. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Color Photography Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/profiles-in-color.md) - [Travel-Inspired Canvas Paintings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-passport-series.md) - [Photography Project Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/still-life-1.md) - [Wooden Identity Art Forms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hughmanity.md) - [Identity-Exploring Clothing](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shapes-we-take.md) - [Silky Camouflage-Design Capsules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lisous-empire-collection.md) - [Diverse African Doll Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/creativesoul.md) - [Public Art Displays](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paul-anthony-smith.md) - [Immigration System-Inspired Artworks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/passport-series.md)