Portrait of a Poet

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.

This series and its images have received multiple awards in prestigious competitions, including the Sony World Photography Awards (SWPA) and PX3, The Prix de la Photographie, Paris and have been exhibited in galleries (e.g., Brodziak Gallery) and international programs (e.g., upcoming Arles OFF). More details can be found in the About section - Awards & Recognition.

This series of mostly monochromatic portraits, titled "Portrait of a Poet – A Journey Through Layers," is an intimate exploration of Manka Menga, a Tanzanian poet whose work challenges societal norms and serves as profound self-expression and therapy. It’s a journey into her unique world, reflecting universal self-discovery. The project highlights the paradox of human experience – the unique and the universal intertwined, where we all seek to commune with ourselves.

In an era increasingly shaped by digital manipulation, this project consciously embraces a return to authenticity. It's a dialogue about aesthetics, the concept of beauty, and the power of imperfection. Recognizing the strength of unfiltered truth, we deliberately chose to forgo excessive retouching, particularly of the skin. This decision reflects our shared conviction in the importance of honesty and vulnerability in artistic expression, echoing Manka's raw and unfiltered approach to her poetry.

Inspired by Manka's verses, the series delves into her inner landscape, revealing intricate layers of identity, memory, and experience. The distinctive lines adorning her face, a result of a daily ritual honoring her late grandmother, powerfully symbolize her connection to tradition and her unique path of self-discovery. Each portrait is crafted to reflect this profound intimacy and honesty, inviting viewers into a deep, personal contemplation.

Employing diverse photographic techniques, including intimate close-ups with varied lenses and evocative light painting, we sought to capture Manka's presence in a manner that is both intimate and expansive. The starting point for the visuals was Manka's powerful poetry. Our collaboration involved a continuous, symbiotic exchange: her verses sparked visual ideas, and photographs, in turn, inspired new poems. This synergy allows us to explore new facets of Manka's identity and prompt reflection on personal experiences that resonate universally. Manka’s tattoo, "But this will give you poetry," serves as her personal mantra – a powerful testament to her ability to transmute pain into creative expression, mirroring the very act of 'self-writing' through her verse and skin.

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.

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.