Integration and assimilation are two different beasts. This photography project aims to visualize and celebrate what integration feels like, when we can seamlessly blend all facets of our identities without having to choose one or the other. This as opposed to assimilation, which requires you choose one over the other.
Having lived on three different continents—Africa, North America, and now Europe—for extended periods of time, I am a Nigerian-American-Swedish storyteller drawn to the complexities and nuances of culture and how they manifest themselves within relationships.
My work centers on fostering cultural understanding and is the visual representation of the words “I SEE YOU.”
The blue/yellow backgrounds and yellow facial accents symbolize the Swedish flag and my newest identity, while a blending of both African and Swedish-inspired attire plus accessories symbolize integration.
My mission is to photograph hundreds and potentially thousands of residents proudly celebrating all parts of their identities.
My vision is to have the visual conversation regarding integration versus assimilation in the Nordics, and what it means for the mental and emotional wellbeing of people of African descent who simply want to thrive versus just survive in society.
Artist Bios
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Lola Akinmade Åkerström
Lọlá Ákínmádé Åkerström is an award-winning visual storyteller, international bestselling author, and travel photographer. She has dispatched from over 80+ countries and her work has been featured in National Geographic, The New York Times, The Sunday Times, The Guardian, BBC, CNN, Travel Channel, Travel + Leisure, Lonely Planet, Forbes, and many more. She has collaborated with commercial brands such as Dove, Getty Images, Mercedes Benz, Intrepid Travel, Electrolux, ASUS, and National Geographic Channel, to name a few.
As a storyteller, Lọlá was featured on Condé Nast Traveler’s “Women Who Travel Power List.” She was named one of the “Most Influential Women in Travel” by Travel Pulse, a Hasselblad Heroine in partnership with prestigious Hasselblad camera brand, and Bill Muster Travel Photographer of the Year by the Society of American Travel Writers. She was also honored with a MIPAD 100 (Most Influential People of African Descent) Award within media and culture and a Newsweek Future of Travel Storytelling Award, to name a few recognitions. She has also been featured in several solo and group exhibitions around the world, including most recently Hasselblad Foundation’s Fotosalongen and Liljevalchs’s Vårsalongen.
Organizations
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Photoville
Founded in 2011 in Brooklyn, NY, Photoville was built on the principles of addressing cultural equity and inclusion, which we are always striving for, by ensuring that the artists we exhibit are diverse in gender, class, and race.
In pursuit of its mission, Photoville produces an annual, city-wide open air photography festival in New York City, a wide range of free educational community initiatives, and a nationwide program of public art exhibitions.
By activating public spaces, amplifying visual storytellers, and creating unique and highly innovative exhibition and programming environments, we join the cause of nurturing a new lens of representation.
Through creative partnerships with festivals, city agencies, and other nonprofit organizations, Photoville offers visual storytellers, educators, and students financial support, mentorship, and promotional & production resources, on a range of exhibition opportunities.
For more information about Photoville visit, www.photoville.com
Protected: ÅFRÖSWÈ̩DÉ̩ – A visual celebration of both
Featuring: Lola Akinmade Åkerström
Locations
View Location Details Download a detailed map of this location Brooklyn Bridge Park – Emily Warren Roebling Plaza1 Water St
Brooklyn, NY 11201
This location is part of Brooklyn Bridge Park
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The views and opinions expressed in this exhibit are those of the exhibition artists and partners and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Photoville or any other participants and partners of the Photoville Festival.
