This portrait series of the poet is rooted in her work, which challenges societal norms and serves as a form of therapy. The lines on her face, from a daily morning ritual in honor of her late grandmother, signify a connection to ancestral traditions. They are also like traces of life experiences that have shaped her as an artist.
"A Journey Through Layers" reflects continuous self-discovery, much like reading, creating poems or photographs. It's an intimate journey for each of us.
It delves into the emotional landscape of poet and invites viewers to connect with the universal human experience.
More details about the project below the photo gallery
Breathe
"Portrait of a Poet – A Journey Through Layers" Series
This series of mostly monochromatic portraits, titled "Portrait of a Poet – A Journey Through Layers", explores the multifaceted persona of Manka Menga, a Tanzanian poet whose work challenges societal norms and serves as a form of self-expression and therapy. It's an intimate journey into the poet's singular world, yet a reflection of the universal human experience, where we all seek to commune with ourselves. Highlighting the paradox of human experience – the unique and the universal intertwined.
The Portraits
In an era increasingly shaped by digital manipulation, this project embraces a return to authenticity. A dialogue of aesthetics, the concept of beauty and imperfection. Recognizing the power of unfiltered truth, we consciously decided to forgo excessive retouching, particularly of the skin. This decision reflects a shared belief in the importance of honesty and vulnerability in artistic expression.
A Journey of Self-Discovery
Inspired by Manka's poetry, the series delves into her inner world, revealing layers of identity, memory, and experience. The distinctive lines adorning her face, a result of a daily ritual honoring her late grandmother, symbolize her connection to tradition and her unique path of self-discovery. Creating and experiencing art is an intimate contact with oneself. We wanted these portraits to reflect that intimacy and honesty, which is why we chose not to retouch the skin.
The Role of Photograph
Employing a blend of wide-angle and narrow lenses, we sought to capture the poet's presence in a manner that is both intimate and expansive. Each image invites viewers on a journey of introspection, much like reading a poem, prompting contemplation on the interplay between personal experience and the universal human condition.
Self-Writing
A tattoo adorns the poet's hands: "But this will give you poetry." This personal mantra, a testament to the transformative power of art, serves as a constant reminder of her ability to transform pain and uncertainty into creative expression.
A Call for Authenticity
In an era of pervasive digital manipulation, "Portrait of a Poet – A Journey Through Layers" stands as a testament to the power of honest and unfiltered self-expression. By embracing vulnerability and authenticity, both poet and photographer have created a series of portraits that resonate with profound sincerity.
Collaboration and Inspiration
The starting point for the photos was Manka's poetry. When we met in person, the day before our first session, to discuss specific ideas inspired by the poems, we discovered that our first idea for a photo—a mirrored reflection—was exactly the same. As the series progressed, some of the photos became inspirations for new poems.
The Invitation
Each image in this series reveals a new facet of Manka's identity, inviting viewers to contemplate the interplay between the personal and the universal.
Each image in this series reveals a new facet of Manka's identity, inviting viewers to contemplate the interplay between the personal and the universal.
About the Poet
Manka Menga, also known as Dr. Winifrida John Mmasi MD, is a multi-disciplinary artist. Through her poetry and visual arts, she challenges learned internalized misinformation both personally and socially. Her poetry, deliberately sensual and challenging, serves as both therapy and a victory over her abusers. She challenges the scope of self-expression afforded to African women and queer people, inspired by women who, through their defiance of societal norms, have achieved a place in history and the hearts and minds of society.
