Unveiling the Past Through Photography: A Personal Journey
In the aftermath of a painful breakup, I found solace in solitary walks through the bustling streets of Kampala, Uganda. Amidst the city's hustle and bustle, an abandoned warehouse caught my eye. Its isolation within the urban landscape mirrored my emotional state, prompting me to embark on a creative journey that would intertwine personal healing with historical exploration.
My artistic interest in indigo dye blossomed during an artist's residency in Salem, Indiana, in 2017. This sparked a deeper curiosity about the history of the area, particularly its role as a significant stop on the Underground Railroad. I delved into the research of author Catherine McKinley, uncovering the grim reality of the slave trade and the materials that could purchase a human life.
This led me to envision the tragic fate of slaves whose lives were exchanged for indigo. I imagined their struggle to retain their identities and the profound loss they endured, leaving them with nothing but memories of their former lives.
The Indigogo series emerged as a powerful means of exploring these themes. It built upon my earlier work with the Black body in art, delving into the concept of how a blue substance could symbolize the purchase of a Black body. This project was deeply personal, serving as a channel for me to document my emotions and the evolution of my identity as a Black woman.
Collaborating with photographer Giulio Molfese, we captured the series using long-exposure photography, shot at night due to the unpredictable light conditions within the warehouse. The blue hues in the images are a nod to the indigo dye, symbolizing the profound connection between the dye and the human experience.
Completed in 2020, the Indigogo series marked a challenging yet transformative period in my life. It allowed me to confront and express my emotions, fostering personal growth and a newfound resilience. Looking back, I am grateful for the opportunity to explore such profound themes and to have emerged from the experience with a deeper understanding of myself and the world around me.
