Kaitlyn Bavuso annotated bib 4

Le Chef 1997

Observation:
           The background has several different patterns and prints both on the floor and the backdrop. It varies in colors, ranging from greens, yellows, blues, to oranges. The backdrop has hand mirrors on both the right and left hand side. In the center is pattern that breaks up the mirrored pattern. Also in  the center is an African/African American man sitting in a leopard chair. He is also wearing leopard print as a sarong. He has white sunglasses, and gold jewelry on his neck and fingers. He has gold hat on as well. There is a pair of red loafers sitting beside his chair. He is holding yellow sunflowers on his left hand side. His smile is very serious yet slightly amused.

Inference:

      After analyzing this photograph, it implies the African stereotype. Fosso growing up in Ibo and Nigeria, was exposed to imperialism and colonization in his country. This picture demonstrates the mockery in which the African community has been perceived as. The colorful background appeals to African fabrics and roots as its appearance is similar to a wild, jungle vibe. In the article it states, that he moved away from the traditional idea of self-portrait, using only black and white, by instead using color. “He worked in colour as opposed to black and white”, (Taylor). By allowing color in his photographs it created an appeal to a modernistic approach to the African stereotype. Fosso in the photograph seems to not only mock European stereotypes but African as well by using playful backdrops and satirical attire. The backdrop of the hand mirror symbolically is speaking to society to hold a mirror up to their face. It’s a way for society to look and critique themselves as they have done to the African community. As Fosso states in the article, his perspective on the photograph "With this photo, I wanted to say to westerners, 'Look, we had our own democracy before you came, we had our own rulers, our own presidents, but it was our ruler that you came and got rid of, and in his place, you set up your hierarchies, your systems.' It's about the things they did in the past, and the things that they continue to do. On the surface they cover it up, but beneath the surface it's the same as ever." (Taylor). Basically stating, that there will always be the negative impression of the African and African American community, all because of European associations. In Le Chef, Fosso’s intake on the common stereotype of African community is presented with animalistic attire. He posed on a throne, with leopard printed chair, and sarong. What is also associated with African Kings, was their jewels.  The picture depicts a dramatization of the jewels on him, such as the large necklaces, rings, bracelets, etc… as way to mock European associations with the African community.  In the article, Algeria Unveiled, the quote “It is a white man who creates the Negro. But it is the Negro who creates negritude” (47). In Le Chef, Fosso subtly follows that approach, as he is mocking the stereotype given to the African community, but completely makes it his own as he uses as retaliation against the common stereotype. What is interesting is how he is positioned between all the colorful prints, which is dead center. It could be a metaphor for as to the chaos and implications surrounding the African community and their perceptions by other people. What is also intriguing, is the red loafers off to the side of his feet. They could indicate that he has a possibility walk in the shoes of European stereotypes, or metaphorically give into European influence, but instead sits on his throne where he belongs and embracing his racial background.