“Man Up!”
“Big boys don’t cry!”
“Aint nothing but another Angry Black Man!”
…Black men have been conditioned by these concepts. There is more to the Black Man than being stoic, bitter, angry and feared.
Through a series of photo-interviews, I will capture the emotion of the Black Man—their feelings, thoughts, desires, joy, passion, pain—that are not otherwise seen or encouraged. I will ask questions about your childhood and adulthood that will encourage reflection. Although these are interviews, there will be a dialogue. I’m more than willing to share my emotion to get to your emotion.
All photo shoots will be one-on-one. No audio or video recording devices will be used to encourage a safe, comfortable, tell-all environment. Share your smiles, laughter, sadness, tears, ecstasy. The only evidence will be the portraits. Each model will be presented in a series of five (5) portraits and identified by their first name, age and 2 or 3 fun/quirky facts.
Dress code: None. Dress or undress as you see fit. I want you to be yourself. Hoodies and hats are fine; if that’s your style, “who you are”, great. No sunglasses though. I need to capture your eyes. Portraits will be shot from the waist and shoulders up.
Photo-interviews will take place at either your location or mine.
Models must be of Black/African-American/African descent, age 18+. Shooting will begin in May 2010. I hope to have the photo series ready for exhibition by February 2011 but hopefully by late 2010.
If you're interested in participating in the Emotional Black Male photo project, please email emotionalblackmale AT abigailekue DOT com with your name, age, location, why you’re interested in this project and any questions you may have. If you don’t fit the criteria for the project or are just camera-shy, please forward this information to anyone who you feel would be a great candidate for this project.
© 2010 Abigail Ekue - All Rights Reserved
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