Phyllis Galembo (US American, b. 1952)
Atam Masquerader, 2004
Cibachrome/Ilfochrome
30″ x 30″
Margaret Simonds Sinon Collection Fund and Louise I. Doyle Collection Fund
American photographer Phyllis Galembo is known for traveling primarily throughout Africa and the Caribbean to capture human spirituality conveyed through masquerades. Masquerades are performed for a variety of reasons including entertainment, surveillance, and protection. In most instances, Masquerades serve as physical representations of spirits and ancestors. This image, taken from the Alok Village in Nigeria depicts a masquerader who, due to the color of their ensemble and the environment they were placed in, both blend into their environment and yet are distinct from it. Green plays a central role as the Masquerader is covered in green grasses, leaves, and other vegetal material all while standing on green vegetation. In addition, the color of the massive tree in the background has a similar tone to the Masquerader’s shirt and mask. The effect is a visual unity of human and nature which hints at the spiritual purposes of Masquerades.