Dark Skin, Pure Beauty
Photography • July 15, 2020 by Stephanie Ee, Introduction by Scott Marlin
“This series shows just the pure beauty in dark skin, no makeup or fancy ways to sell it. Just raw and real.”
Making art with a mission is photographer Stephanie Ee’s mode of working – her mode of existing, she might tell you. In these three extraordinary photo sets Stephanie charges forward in that mission, celebrating melanin and exploring questions of racism, colorism, gender and identity.
As if her clear vision and facility behind the lens weren’t enough to make us swoon, Stephanie is also an avid film shooter. All images in this series were made on 35mm film.
It is my pleasure and honor to welcome Stephanie Ee and her collaborators to Flash Punk with this powerful series in three parts.
Women of Color
From the photographer: “This set featuring Kaitlyn Zeeman, Vanna Kadir, Paulina Sanchez and Tabita Ngama, is focused on celebrating women of colour and of different body shapes and sizes, pro body positive. In a social media world, false ideas of beauty are heavily concentrated. As a photographer, I feel I have a responsibility to change that, and reach as many people as I can, to remind them that their skin color and body shape are beautiful and should be embraced and celebrated.”
Shot on Kodak Portra 400 using Olympus Mju ii and Contax G1 cameras.
Toxic Black Masculinity
“This series was shot to open dialogue about the ideas of toxic masculinity especially among Black men,” Stephanie tells us.
“The models, Kwakou Aguilera-Selormey, Emmanuel, Philly Tesfu and Francis Taku Detè each adorn or hold the national flower from the African country of which their heritage lies. Flowers are often thought of as ‘feminine’, and here, they’re used powerfully to encourage thought about what Masculinity is, to connect with the voices of the men photographed, and to challenge us to recognize when we see toxic adherence to a narrow view of Masculine standards.”
Shot on Portra 400 on a Contax G1.
Moonlight
“For this set with Florence Baitio, I was inspired by the ocean scene of the film Moonlight, and the beautiful tones of dark melanin skin absorbing and reflecting light,” says Stephanie.
“Racism and Colourism still exist, regardless of what country you live in. Unfortunately we are sold on the idea that Whiteness is beautiful, and darker skinned people cop external and internal conflict. This series shows just the pure beauty in dark skin, no makeup or fancy ways to sell it. Just raw and real.”
Shot on Kodak Ektar 100 with an Olympus Mju ii.
Photography & creative direction / @miss.stephanie.ee
Women of Color
Models / @kaitlynxdeborah, @vannakadir, Paulina Sanchez and @tabitangama
Toxic Black Masculinity
Models / @kedsx96, @chiiinedu, @phillytesfu, and @lostcasanova
MUA / @joeymakeupart
Assist / @vvn_lyn
Moonlight
Model / @florence_baitio
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