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Orgena

From the series "Masking Soul"

1997

Chromogenic print

30 x 28 in. (76.2 x 71.1 cm)

Collection of the Akron Art Museum

Gift of David T. Johnson in honor of the artist

2002.10

More Information

In his haunting self-portraits, Mahone assumes poses that reflect both the vitality of African culture and social challenges faced by many black men. In Orgena (“a negro” spelled backwards), his rounded back and bowed head signify feelings of powerlessness. Mahone achieves startling color effects in his photographs by drawing on the negatives with markers before printing from them.

Keywords
Color
African American
Male