Burnaway

(Untitled) Fanon draws inspiration from the literary work of Frantz Fanon (1925–1961), a renowned Black psychiatrist and philosopher who made significant contributions to postcolonial theory and critical studies in the twentieth century. In his 1952 essay, “The Fact of Blackness,” Fanon proposes the concept of ontological resistance: the notion that centuries of colonization and oppression have stunted the ability of Black people to escape preconceived ideas and harmful stereotypes surrounding Black identity—perpetuated by White people—and develop their own sense of self. Madison Cooper explores this concept through her photographs, working toward a personal definition of what Blackness means to her.

from the exhibition text

Madison Cooper: (Untitled) Fanon is on view at the Visual Arts Center at the University of Texas, Austin thru December 3.