Unusually, each photograph shares wall space with an equal sized statement, giving the women photographed an avenue to express their own opinions. It is rare for the subjects of photographs to afford any say in their image, so this gesture on Abhi’s behalf is generous and boundary pushing. There is a rich and often hurtful history of PoC being exploited in photographic portraiture, especially the documentary kind - their image taken and shown the world over with little regard to the subjects themselves. In providing these statements - which as the same size as the portraits, offer an equality of power between the women and Abhi - the women are provided agency over how we get to perceive their image, and what is talked about in conjunction.

Each statement outlines each woman’s own individual experiences with racism and colourism. The descriptions are varied and wide, ranging from seemingly innocent racist comments to death threats and skinheads hurling racial epithets. The statements provide us a more intimate point of access, and gives a way to deeper understand the strength in these images.

- Divyaa Kumar for PhotoForum