Shades of Black

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Nathalie Etoke explores Black existence today, starting from the historical context of death, the Middle Passage, slavery, and colonization. In a world dominated by white supremacy, Black bodies are assigned specific roles and meanings that reflect the interests of the dominant culture, often portraying a bereaved humanity. This creates a paradox for Black individuals: should they exist as Black or as human beings? The question arises whether their existence is for themselves or for others, and whether they are perceived as sub-human in a white-dominated society. Drawing from her experiences across Cameroon, France, and the United States, Etoke offers a nuanced reflection on race, examining the erasure of historical, social, cultural, and political differences among people of African descent globally. She addresses contemporary issues in the U.S., such as the murder of George Floyd, police brutality, and the complex symbolism surrounding figures like Barack Obama and Kamala Harris. Through this lens, Etoke delves into the relationships of violence, oppression, dispossession, and inequality that shape the current landscape, ultimately confronting profound existential questions: Are you breathing? Are we breathing?