We created PhotoVogue Festival Echoes to allow those who participated in the event to contribute their voices to the Festival s narrative. During those days in Milan, we recognised our community s desire to come together and draw inspiration from each other s works. We highly value the sharing of experiences and practices, firmly believing that providing dedicated space to each artist can appropriately acknowledge the outstanding projects exhibited in November at the PhotoVogue Festival.
The Festival serves not only as a platform for artists to gain recognition but also as an interconnection of people and ideas. Here, contaminations and suggestions are welcomed, inspiring and guiding us to places we never thought possible.
The Festival comes to us as a place for inspiration and mutual influence. We aim for all projects to extend beyond the week of the Festival, remaining tangible and accessible to everyone. The first artist to be featured in this space is Yvann Zahui, who participated in the PhotoVogue Festival exhibition What is Beauty with the project Superficial. His work delves into the complex phenomenon of plastic surgery spreading in Africa in recent years. Zahui investigates the reasons behind this trend and explores why younger generations increasingly grapple with low self-esteem.
Zahui draws connections between colonialism, the subsequent western standardization of beauty, and the surge in plastic surgery. Central to his discourse are bodies that were once enslaved, renegade, and commodified under colonisation, and they now undergo continuous, invasive surgeries.
1. What is your favorite memory of the PhotoVogue Festival 2023?
Realising the impact of photography on the audience, the different emotions it creates: fear, questioning, and empathy. But also me being able to connect with other artists from different backgrounds. We all met and spoke the same language, "art".
2. In your project you ask “Why do we find ourselves in a generation plagued by low self-esteem?”: have you found an answer?
The question is going to be answered gradually, through my future themes and projects. To get a more nuanced and comprehensive interpretation.
3. You chose Grand-Bassam as the setting for your subjects, in the first slavery coast of the country. And you underline that plastic surgery is a consequence of western influence. Can we say that your project makes visible the connection between colonialism and plastic surgery?
The relationship between colonialism and plastic surgery is a complex and multifaceted one. Some scholars and activists argue that the imposition of Western beauty standards during the colonial era has had lasting effects on perceptions of beauty and self-worth in colonised regions. This influence can be seen in various aspects of life, including beauty ideals and practices such as plastic surgery. Colonialism often involved the imposition of Western cultural norms and ideals, including standards of beauty. This can lead to a desire among individuals in colonised regions to conform to these imposed ideals, and plastic surgery may be one way in which people seek to achieve this. Additionally, globalisation and the spread of Western media can contribute to the homogenisation of beauty standards, influencing perceptions of attractiveness and leading to increased interest in cosmetic procedures.
However, it
s important to note that the relationship between colonialism and plastic surgery is just one aspect of a broader conversation about the impact of colonial history on various aspects of societies. The dynamics between these factors can vary widely, and any exploration of such connections should consider diverse perspectives and experiences.
4. Is there an upcoming project you are working on?
Oh yes I am a lot, watch out for life changing stories. Ivory Coast is going to be on the international map widely!
