Decoding the Symbolism in Nona Faustine’s Nude Self-Portraits

For over a decade, Nona Faustine, a Brooklyn-based photographer, has been capturing striking self-portraits across New York City. In her series “White Shoes,” Faustine challenges viewers to confront the city’s forgotten history, particularly its involvement in the transatlantic slave trade and the portrayal of Black bodies in art.

Displayed at the Brooklyn Museum, Faustine’s exhibition marks her first solo show. Born and raised in Brooklyn, she developed her passion for photography early, inspired by her family. During her graduate studies at Bard College’s International Center of Photography program, she began crafting the body of work that would become “White Shoes.”

In these photographs, Faustine often appears nude, adorned only with a pair of white pumps, symbolizing the pressure on Black women to conform to Western beauty standards. The series serves as a tribute to her ancestors, as well as a celebration of Black womanhood and freedom. Faustine deliberately draws inspiration from historical imagery, challenging problematic representations of the Black body in art and photography.

Throughout “White Shoes,” Faustine explores significant locations across all five boroughs of New York City, each steeped in the legacy of enslaved people.

In her images, Faustine confronts viewers with uncomfortable truths, such as the dehumanizing treatment of enslaved Black women and the systemic exploitation of their labor.

The exhibition traces Faustine’s photographic journey over the past decade, symbolically representing the progression of time and the gradual empowerment of Black people. From her early nude portraits to her more clothed, empowered representations, Faustine invites audiences to reflect on the resilience and resilience of the Black community.

“White Shoes” challenges viewers to confront the city’s complex history and engage with the ongoing legacy of slavery. Through her powerful imagery, Faustine urges us to acknowledge the contributions and struggles of Black people, both past and present, while advocating for a more inclusive and equitable future.

_{Repurposed article originally published in the CNN Style}