"Brownish" Laura Chalabi. Photo (c) Lea Fabienne. 2025
Brownish
Brownish addresses the pervasive issue of colourism—a form of discrimination that operates within a racial or ethnic group, where
individuals with lighter skin tones are favoured over those with darker skin. Colourism is prevalent in many societies across
Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East, where skin-lightening practices are widespread and often involve the use
of harmful products containing substances like mercury or steroids. This form of discrimination not only affects communities
at large but can also shape dynamics and affections within the same family.
The installation explores how, in immigrant families influenced by colourist ideals, love and validation can become entangled with skin tone. The work features brown skin, crafted from natural liquid latex, which visitors are invited to “bleach” in order to reveal words of love and affirmation. By engaging in this act, visitors are invited to reflect on the complex ways in which expressions of affection can become intertwined with colonial ideals of beauty, status and worth.
Photos © Lea Fabienne. 2025
The installation explores how, in immigrant families influenced by colourist ideals, love and validation can become entangled with skin tone. The work features brown skin, crafted from natural liquid latex, which visitors are invited to “bleach” in order to reveal words of love and affirmation. By engaging in this act, visitors are invited to reflect on the complex ways in which expressions of affection can become intertwined with colonial ideals of beauty, status and worth.
Photos © Lea Fabienne. 2025
Fact Box
Brownish
Categories
Part of
Date
August 12, 2025
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Students
- Laura Chalabi (Project Management/Production Team and exhibiting artist)
Pariticipants