The story behind this surreal portrait of Ethiopian identity

Aida Muluneh, an Ethiopian photographer, is renowned for her stunning and thought-provoking works. Her photos often explore issues of identity, race, and gender, and have been featured in galleries around
the world. In a recent interview with CNN Style, Muluneh spoke about her latest project, a collection of portraits called “Snap.”

“Snap” features portraits of young African women, all of whom were photographed using Muluneh’s signature style. The images are vibrant and colorful, with each woman wearing a bold and striking outfit. But the photographs are more than just aesthetically pleasing; they are also meant to challenge the viewer’s perceptions of African women and their place in society.

Muluneh explained that the project was inspired by her own experiences growing up in Ethiopia. She recalled feeling frustrated by the limited representations of African women in the media and the way they were often portrayed as victims. “I wanted to create images that celebrated African women and showed them in a different light,” she said.

To create the images in “Snap,” Muluneh worked closely with her subjects to develop their looks and poses. She encouraged them to express themselves and showcase their unique personalities. The result
is a collection of portraits that capture the essence of each woman and convey a sense of empowerment.
Muluneh hopes that “Snap” will inspire young African women to feel proud of their heritage and confident in their own skin. “I want them to know that they don’t have to conform to anyone’s idea of what an African woman should look like,” she said. “They can be themselves and still be beautiful and successful.”

–Staff Reporter