SHADE OF BEAUTY
The intersection of art & activism is a powerful force for creative expression and can be used to tell meaningful stories that promote inclusivity and diversity. This is what inspired the ‘Shade Of Beauty Campaign.
The Shade of Beauty Campaign is a powerful and impactful initiative that has the potential to create meaningful change. By focusing on promoting cultural diversity, combating harmful stereotypes, and fostering positive self-expression and well-being among Black and brown women. Addressing the lack of representation and celebrating the beauty of dark skin tones and identities among women. This celebration extends beyond conventional beauty standards and embraces the authenticity of individual experiences and the rich diversity within the Black & and Asian community.
The Shade of Beauty Project serves as a profound source of inspiration and a catalyst for positive change by shining a spotlight on the beauty, resilience, and strength of individuals who have faced discrimination and biases based on their skin tone.
This series was created as part of the Shade of Beauty campaign in collaboration with Paskaline Maiyo. The images were exhibited at the Wales Millenium Centre in July 2023
The Shade of Beauty Campaign is dedicated to celebrating diverse identities, creating a space where Black women can feel empowered, validated, and proud of their identities.
ABOUT THE CREATOR
Hey, Shade of Beauty my name is Sharon, my art practice focuses on celebrating and finding ways to decolonize colorism through visual arts and challenging the deep-seated biases and prejudices around dark skin.
Utilizing artistic expression as a catalyst for conversations about diversity, representation, and self-esteem. My initiative is to photograph Black women like myself and allow them to see themselves as role models and sources of inspiration. By fostering a platform that empowers individuals to embrace their unique identities, and stories contributing to positive change in both the artistic and well-being realms.
Art has a way of reaching deep within people's hearts, sparking conversations and reflections that words alone sometimes struggle to achieve. I am working on expanding this project and creating a body of work that celebrates women of all skin complexions.
REINVENTING THE BLACK BARBIE
The storytelling and narrative of the reinvented Black Barbie is my journey of self-discovery that represents a more inclusive range of Black women's experiences. I want to explore the notion of feeling at home and being comfortable in one's skin through the reinvention of the Black Barbie. This project aims to consider how the reinvented Black Barbie fits within the broader cultural context, and how these elements will contribute to the exploration of feeling at home in one's skin and self-acceptance through symbolism and imagery of the popular Barbie character.
This project is ongoing and will feature several ‘Reinvented Black Barbie Dolls & Homes.
Recreating the ideal Black Barbie Doll & House
Sonya Larson’s showcases huge Black Barbie collection she has been collecting for several decades. She said she started the collection so her daughter could have an array of Barbies to choose from.. Sonya keeps at least 1,000 Barbie dolls in her home.
The Shade of Beauty project contributes to empowering Black women by validating their experiences and affirming their worth. This photoshoot is inspired by 'The Black Panther movie in collaboration with photographer Taiye Omokore. Celebrating Black Excellence, Pride, and Resilience of Black Women.
Images published in Photo Vogue Gallery and Maxi Magazine
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As seen on PhotoVogue
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As seen on PhotoVogue
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As seen on Maxi Magazine
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As seen on PhotoVogue
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As seen on PhotoVogue
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As seen on Maxi Magazine
BROWN PAPER EFFEXT
I manipulated the brown paper bag to create roses, transforming a symbol of discrimination and exclusion into a symbol of beauty and resilience. Historically, brown paper bags were used to segregate Black individuals and communities, particularly in the United States. This practice was known as the "brown paper bag test," where individuals would be judged on the colour of their skin to determine if they were "light enough" to be allowed into certain spaces and communities.
Roses are often associated with love, passion, and strength, and using them in my art can convey a message of hope and resilience in the face of adversity. By combining the rose with the brown paper bag, I am creating a symbol of beauty that acknowledges the struggles and challenges faced by marginalized communities and celebrates our strength and resilience.
Exploring how self-portraiture is often used as a way to represent myself to the world, my racial identity, and what it means to be a woman of colour in today's society. The theme of my ancestry and identity was highlighted through the use of an African mask, rope, tree, and other props I use. The African face mask is a powerful symbol of cultural identity and heritage, and incorporating it into my self-portraiture helped to celebrate and honour my roots, and draw attention to the rich cultural traditions and histories that have shaped my identity.
For individuals like myself, self-portraiture can be a way to assert our presence and challenge dominant cultural narratives about our identity.
‘Together we are powerful, we are one we are all Shades of Beauty’
Sharon Kostini
COMFORTABLE IN MY SKIN
The Shade of Beauty Campaign is here to bring forth and celebrate beauty no matter what shade you are for everyone to experience what it truly means to feel beautiful and be seen. In collaboration with Sey Cosmetics & Matico Studio, I photographed 9 women who felt comfortable in their skin for the #inclusivityiskey campaign.
