Untitled - Ghana 1996
I was born in London and come from a mixed cultural background of Ghanaian and Dominican descent. This has presented me with questions about, cultural identity, diversity and placement.
Some of my work has drawn upon the long tradition of African portraiture since my first visit to Ghana in 1995.
My 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 my gateway into showing a vibrancy and realness, which I continue to explore within my practice.
Through my personal work and commissioned projects I have been fortunate to photograph different members of my family living in London and Ghana and encounter 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 I have had flyers posted into peoples homes
and their work place, to advertising in magazines, newspapers, radio and
approaching strangers in chosen locations.
©
Eileen Perrier February 2010