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

Talk: Exploring Colourism with Don John

Date & Time: Saturday 8th October, 2pm – 4pm

Click here to book your place

Limited tickets are available to join Don John, Founder of Black History Month South, for a talk on colourism. The discussion will explore its origins, social impact, and ongoing influence on culture, beauty, and identity, from historical practices like the Brown Paper Bag Test to modern pressures in media and digital technology.

Don John’s talk complements the exhibition by reflecting on local stories and the experiences of the Black community in Southampton, including insights from his 1994 film Shadism: The Politics of Complexion.

‘We hope that this exhibition will stimulate discussion on an issue that is both embarrassing and harmful and continue that conversation in safe places, that only create a greater understanding.” – Don John, Founder of Black History Month South

Location: Crawford Room, God’s House Tower

Tickets: Limited availability, free admission

Click here to book your place

Click here to find out more about the talk

Recommended Book List:

• A Black History of Southampton (16th Century to 21st Century) by Don John & Stella Muirhead
• Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race by Reni Eddo-Lodge
• I Am Not Your Baby Mother by Candice Brathwaite
• The Intersectional Environmentalist: How to Dismantle Systems of Oppression to Protect People by Leah Thomas
• The Mixed-Race Experience: Reflections and Revelations on Multicultural Identity by Naomi & Natalie Evans

Recommended Articles:

Even in the playground, I was told my skin was too dark: it’s time to face up to colourism – Candice Brathwaite

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.