Lack of diversity is among one of the most deep-rooted – and oldest – problems in the film industry. While ethnic minorities constitute nearly half of the US population, only 13.9% of leading roles have been played by POC actors.
While this lack of representation has received several nods in recent years through movements like #MeToo and #OscarsSoWhite, ethnic minority actors to this day are often asked to play stereotypes – from maids and immigrants to thugs and prostitutes – and struggle to get cast in complex, layered, and authentic roles.
Typecast is a satirical portrait series focused on typecasting practices in the entertainment industry. We made stereotypical portraits of POC actors embodying the roles that they often get typecast in and made alternative portraits of them embodying their ideal roles.
Through this project, we hope to:
1) challenge negative stereotypes of ethnic minorities reinforced by mainstream film and media
2) offer an alternative imagery of POC actors in nuanced protagonist roles
3) advance conversations about how racial stereotypes can shape public opinion and inform policy.
Artist Bios
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Haruka Sakaguchi
Haruka Sakaguchi is a Japanese documentary photographer based in Brooklyn. She was born in Osaka, Japan, and immigrated to the U.S. with her parents when she was three months old.
Haruka’s documentary work focuses on cultural identity and sense of place, and has been published by The New York Times, National Geographic, TIME, The New Yorker, Newsweek, PDN, The Washington Post, BuzzFeed, and more. Her project 1945 was on display at the Nobel Peace Center in Oslo, Norway, from November 2017 through November 2018.
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Griselda San Martin
Griselda San Martin is a Spanish documentary photographer currently based in New York City. She is a graduate of the Documentary Photography and Photojournalism program at the International Center of Photography (ICP), and holds a Masters in Journalism from the University of Colorado, Boulder.
San Martin’s work challenges popular assumptions about immigrants, and offers an alternative perspective―a marginalized community demonstrating resilience and resourcefulness amidst trying situations.
Her photography and video projects have been exhibited internationally and featured in The Washington Post, The New York Times, The New Republic, and California Sunday Magazine, as well as other publications.
Organizations
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United Photo Industries (UPI)
United Photo Industries (UPI) is a New York based nonprofit organization that works to promote a wider understanding of, and increased access to, the art of photography.
Since its founding in 2011, UPI has rapidly solidified its position in the public art landscape by continuing to showcase thought-provoking, challenging, and exceptional photography from across the globe. In its first seven years, UPI has presented the work of more than 2,500 visual artists in gallery exhibitions and public art installations worldwide.
Typecast
Featuring: Haruka Sakaguchi Griselda San Martin
Locations
View Location Details Annenberg Space for PhotographyCentury Park,
2000 Avenue of the Stars Los Angeles,
CA 90067
Location open 24 hours
Related Events
TYPECAST Photo Shoot
This event is designed for actors of color who are interested in being photographed twice; once in the role they tend to get typecast, and again in their idea of a “dream” role.
Learn More