One of my photographic goals for 2018, was to start envisioning and executing conceptual projects that speak to or address certain social topics. Time has been a scarce commodity and had limited the progress of that goal. However I was determined to complete at least one conceptual shoot before the end of the year. The topic of this one being Identity Struggle.

Faux Identity

For years nations at some time or the other, are faced with the influences from other cultures. The advent of cable television and in recent time the wide availability of the internet, has certainly heightened the effects.

Jamaica is certainly no exception to this occurrence. No matter the color of our skin, creed or social class, we are subject to influences external to our own culture on a daily basis. There are many Jamaicans who stand absolute in warding off these effects of external cultures and remaining true Jamaicans, while others make an effort to adopt the good from other cultures and infuse them with our own. On the other hand there are others who have become so consumed by these external influences, that they have begun to adopt them as their own.

With a misguided perception that the cultures they are being exposed to, are better than their own, the transformation process begins in taking on a new identity. Bit by bit as this new identity takes form, there is a false sense of self-confidence, self-worth and pride that comes with it. There is the hope that their life will now be better off. Slowly their true Jamaican identity fades into the background.

Burdened

As time passes the outer shell of the facade seems to be keeping up well. However the tangled emotions and fatigue of keeping up appearances become overly burdensome. The high levels of self-confidence that was there are the start of this transition, now begin to feather out, driving them into a deep dark place.

Unstomachable

The world around passes by and wonders what, who you are? You look in the mirror and with disgust, you cannot stomach what you have become. The reflection you now see, standing before the mirror, is one that is unrecognizable. An estranged self.

The tables begin to turn and you are now frustrated at the fact that what you set out to do, achieving a better and improved you, has not worked out as planned. Realities now start to manifest what you have been trying to suppress. Frustrations evolve into rage as you approach a boiling point and the true identity that you have sought to suppress breaks free.

Love Who You Are

No one is perfect, except for the most high. Every person, every culture has their faults but it is your life long quest to ensure that you dwell on the positives and live a fulfilling life. A major stepping stone to this goal is accepting who you are and enjoy being in your own skin.

Once you have broken away from the shrowd of doubt and insecurities you are able to appreciate self. You will look in the mirror and be proud of who are. You will stand as proud as a peacock with bolstered confidence flaunting the beauty and strength of your cultural identity.

Special thanks to makeup artist Kay-Ann Mckenzie of Epiphany Artistry and model Brittany Brown for the assist in executing this concept. Teamwork makes the dream work 😀