Thursday 6th – Sunday 9th November

Colourism, previously known as Shadism, is a prejudice in which Black and Brown people with darker skins experience disadvantages compared with those with a lighter complexion.

The aim of this exhibition is to explore Colourism, which has had a more profound impact on life and culture than many presume. This issue impacts very differently on Black communities, White communities, and Mixed-Race communities.

For those who may not know, Colourism is the value we attach to people of different complexions. This can be traced back to centuries of colonialism and some argue that this is a direct consequence of the Transatlantic Slave Trade, although different complexions could be found in some parts of the African continent prior to that.

Clearly the manner in which Black images have been used in the West tells us that choices have been made regarding the selections chosen and the use of complexions of peoples whose origins are from the African continent. We are only too familiar with how fashion, advertising and the media have played their part in popularising certain characteristics and imbuing certain complexions with notions of either beauty or unattractiveness.

Colourism is a by-product of Racism, and we all make judgments – either consciously, unconsciously, or sub-consciously – regarding this issue.

This exhibition hopes to stimulate further discussion to create a greater understanding.

Click here to learn more about the Colourism Project

About the Photographer: Nosa Malcolm

Commissioned & published internationally, Nosa Malcolm is a social, documentary and live music photographer based on the south coast. With roots in analogue photography, and a journey beginning in the early 80’s with Mount Pleasant Photography Workshop, a pioneering community initiative.

Click here to see more of Nosa’s work

Locations for Colourism Exhibition in Southampton from 1st October – 31st October:

1. Southampton Solent University
2. Southampton Central Libary
3. Shirley Libary
4. Woolston Libary
5. Southampton General Hospital
6. MAST Mayflower Studios
7. October Books
8. Barton Peveril Sixth Form College

Click here to find out more about the Colourism Exhibitions happening across Southampton

Accessibility

This exhibition will be taking place in the Crawford Room at God’s House Tower. The Crawford Room does not have step free access. If you have concerns about your visit please visit the access page or get in touch with our team.