West African Masquerade: Photographs by Phyllis Galembo

Phyllis Galembo.
MAMI WATA MASK, CROSS RIVER, NIGERIA. 2004.
Ilfochrome. © Phyllis Galembo.

West African Masquerade: Photographs by Phyllis Galembo explores the ways costumes magically transform their wearers, creating new personae of great cultural significance. As an artist, Galembo's primary concerns are with color and light; she carefully positions each subject on backgrounds that highlight the details of each costume. Her large-scale work allows for the careful study of the craftsmanship and creativity behind each participant's garments.

The anonymous participants in Galembo's photographs become mythical figures, steeped in traditional dress and complex symbols. The masqueraders transmit stories and pass down traditional knowledge and life lessons to their communities through the individual creativity of the ever-changing costumes.

Phyllis Galembo has traveled often to Africa, North and South America, and the Caribbean to photograph the visually stunning ceremonial costumes of priests and priestesses, Haitian Vodou practitioners, celebration revelers, and carnival performers. Galembo has published a series of books including Divine Inspiration: From Benin to Bania, Vodou: Visions and Voices of Haiti, and Dressed for Thrills: 100 years of Halloween Costumes and Masquerade.

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