brazilian photo editorial “cabeça de nego” celebrates black hair and freedom of expression

Much like the United States, Brazil is a country built upon the backs of African and indigenous exploitation. Because of it, Black Brazilians are marginalized, often discriminated against because of their socioeconomic status and attitudes towards their appearance. Very little, if any, positive representation of AfroBrazilians exist in Brazilian popular culture, but independent artists are changing the narrative with their own celebrations of Blackness. Creative director and stylist Suyane Ynaya who expressed in an essay to accompany the editorial, “The real men are the ones who accept themselves and do things in their own way,” and we couldn’t agree more. The beauty of the men involved captured by photographer Bruna Castanheira and enhanced by makeup artist Rebeca Magalhães is a testament to what can be accomplished when people aren’t concerned with masculine and feminine and just want to create something meaningful. Explore the images below and get inspired to express yourself as authentically and truthfully as possible!

By T. McLendon, AFROPUNK Contributor

Photography: Bruna Castanheira
Creative Direction & Styling: Suyane Ynaya
Makeup: Rebeca Magalhães
Modelos: Juares, Aken, Levi, Lucas, Átila

Facebook

Tumblr

Instagram