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Power behind the lens: the hidden language of photos

Look closely at these pictures. The way things are framed, lit, and positioned isn't random - these choices shape how we see people and cultures. This gallery shows how photography's techniques create a specific framing, a specific gaze, often used to reinforce unfair power dynamics and racial stereotypes.

Curated by @sofietaes Published gallery

18 items

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group photo, initiation, school, disciple, photography, ph
Australian medicine man with magic healing crystal.
Original Caption: Primitive bakery -
Roma camp
Witch doctor of darkest Africa & his house of fear
Roma
Roma
Children’s Wear, Photography, ph
man, headdress, machete, neckline, photography, ph
Group Portrait (Hans Meyer Collection - East African Expeditions Hans Meyer 1886/1911 - 5t…
Piknikillä Afrikassa vuosisadan vaihteessa
Wangwana of the Ituri
Bandaka - Pygmies
Kivu
Bakango - Pygmies
Ivory Coast, Africa: a boy with a handmade scooter. Photograph, 1910/1930 (?).
[Depublished item]
Siebenbürgische Zigeuner
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