Eileen Perrier's - Artist Statement
Untitled - Ghana 1996
Eileen Perrier was born in London and comes from a mixed cultural background of Ghanaian and Dominican descent. This has presented her with questions around, cultural identity, diversity and placement.
Some of Perrier's work has drawn upon the long tradition of African portraiture since visiting Ghana in 1995.
Perrier's objective in early bodies of work such as Ghana (1995 - 1996) and Red, Gold and Green, (London 1996 - 1998), was to communicate a less preconceived impression of what it is to be a person of African descent. Colour Photography being a gateway into showing this vibrancy and realness.
Through personal work and commissioned projects Perrier has been fortunate to photograph different members of her family living in London and Ghana and now encounters people from all walks of life through various strategies; such as their occupation; location or a physical trait.
To get a cross section of people from different
age groups and cultural backgrounds Perrier has had flyers posted into peoples homes, their place of work through to advertising in magazines, newspapers, radio and
approaching strangers in chosen locations.
©
Eileen Perrier June 2010