Unveiling the Legacy of Women of Color in Photographic Art

The Beginning of a Vision

Embark on a journey through time and creativity as we delve into the origins of a groundbreaking project that celebrates the unsung heroines of photographic art. The inception of 'Shining Lights' traces back to a serendipitous encounter at a vibrant Valentines Day gathering in London four decades ago.

Jennie Baptiste's image "Portrait of two girls from a series for Fashion Designer Wale Adeyemi MBE," 1995.

It was here that photographer Joy Gregory crossed paths with the visionary activist Araba Mercer, igniting a spark that would illuminate the path for women of color in the realm of photography. Their shared passion for showcasing the narratives of women through the lens of a camera laid the foundation for a collaborative endeavor that would redefine the landscape of photographic artistry.

"Her" by Maxine Walker, from the series "Black Beauty," 1991.

As the seeds of 'Shining Lights' were sown, the journey of discovery and empowerment began. The aspiration to compile a compendium of Black women photographers' works from the 1980s and 1990s took shape, resonating with a profound sense of purpose and resilience.

Untitled, from the Queer Feet series, 2023.

A Tapestry of Visionaries

Enter the realm of 'Shining Lights: Black Women Photographers in 1980s–90s Britain,' a testament to the indomitable spirit and creativity of 57 pioneering photographers. This magnum opus, meticulously curated by Joy Gregory, unveils a tapestry of artistic brilliance and cultural significance that transcends time and barriers.

Eileen Perrier's "Ghana," dating to 1995-96.

Dive into thematic chapters that unravel the essence of community, activism, kinship, and landscapes, woven together by the threads of resilience and representation. From the iconic works of Maxine Walker to the evocative portraits by Ingrid Pollard, each image encapsulates a narrative of empowerment and defiance against the erasure of women of color in art history.

Joy Gregory, "Junie - Kingston, Jamaica, 1997," also features in her new book Shining Lights.

Witness the emergence of unsung heroes like Jacqueline Moran Daubercies and Maria Pedro, whose visual narratives redefine the boundaries of identity and heritage. Through their lens, a new chapter in the annals of photographic artistry is etched, honoring the collective legacy of women whose voices echo through the corridors of time.

Maria Kheirkhah's image titled "I Think Therefore I Question," from 2002-03.

Resilience Amid Adversity

Unravel the poignant tales of resilience and determination that permeate the narrative of 'Shining Lights.' Joy Gregory's relentless pursuit to reclaim the lost narratives of women photographers echoes a sentiment of defiance against the shadows of neglect and obscurity.

Stefan Irvine, Mau Ping Shan Uk, #1, Hong Kong 2020, Courtesy of Blue Lotus Gallery

As the pages of history unfold, we are confronted with the harsh realities faced by women of color in the art world of the 1980s and 1990s. The struggle for recognition, the battle against institutional barriers, and the resilience to forge ahead in the face of adversity paint a vivid portrait of courage and solidarity among the marginalized voices of photographic artistry.

An installation view of Virginia Nimarkoh's "Afrotopia 1," from 1991.

Through the lens of time, 'Shining Lights' illuminates not only the artistic prowess of its contributors but also the enduring legacy of community, support, and empowerment that transcends generations. It stands as a testament to the unwavering spirit of women of color who dared to defy the norms and rewrite the narrative of photographic artistry with their brilliance and resilience.

Joy Gregory's "Autoportrait 1990 / 2006," also features in the book.