Before I conceptualised Complexd, I did a lot of research and reading about the stereotypical standards of beauty in our society. Complexd was always about breaking the beauty ideals that were continuously being reinforced in visual media. When it came to my dissertation, I decided to focus on a specific standard of beauty, which caused women to bleach their skin.
My research, which looked at Slavery, Socialisation, Feminism and Colour Supremacy lead me to the term Colourism, which defines individuals who believe they are superior or inferior to people of their own race because of their complexion. I read some extremely insightful books during my dissertation and photographs taken by Barbadian photographer Alyson Holder ignited a lot of the unanswered questions I still have about the topic.
Alyson recently unveiled a series of portraits at the ArtSplash gallery in Barbados that evoked questions surrounding beauty and complexion. Her aim was to encourage women to love themselves as they are and not wish to be or look like someone else.
If you are still struggling with your identity, beauty and your body I highly recommend Naked by Ayana Byrd and Akiba Solomon. Although it focuses on black women, it’s a must read of all women. It was and still is one of the most empowering books I’ve read!
