‘SCARRED’ is an impressive exhibition documenting Africa’s various ethnic groups and their displays of cultural identity through body art.

Body modification including scarification, tattooing, body piercings and painting are amongst the oldest visual cultural expressions across Africa.

Through striking fine art photography by internationally acclaimed visual artists, Nadine Ibrahim, Trevor Cole, Eric Lafforgue and dynamic talents including Anibal Bueno and Hannah Longole – ‘SCARRED’ aims to inform and raise awareness around these ancient cultural expressions, some of which are still in existence yet slowly vanishing.

The artworks in the exhibition directly raises socio-cultural questions around Africa’s body modification tradition and its relation to identity and origin for Africans and the diaspora.

In a conversation with selected guests with a direct connection to scarification, ‘SCARRED’ will also explore perspectives on the use of skin as a canvas to convey information about identity, affiliation, personal history, lineage, status and aesthetic choices. Speakers include:

• Alphonse Kouagou – International Economist from the Republic of Benin
• Laurence Sessou – UK-based Neuromuscular Therapist and Muse from the Republic of Benin
• Dr. Toyin Ajao – Nigerian Activist and Scholar
• Mimi Plange – Award-winning Ghanaian-born Fashion Designer
• Ryan Ouellette – Globally recognised Scarification Practitioner

‘SCARRED’ is organised by Mãe Africa Development Initiative, a non-profit cultural enterprise with a mission to preserve Africa’s history and cultural heritage and support its social and economic development through the creative industries.

The exhibition is open from 11 AM on Saturday 30th November until 7 PM Sunday 1st December.

Register your interest here

Model: @adetutuo.j