The photographer Ayana V. Jackson exhibits for the first time in Europe within the framework of PhotoEspaña
In her interview with Manu Piñon for Forbes España, Ayana V. Jackson discusses her current exhibition Nosce te ipsum: Membrum fantasma, a standout of PhotoEspaña 2025 at the Museo Nacional de Antropología’s 150th anniversary.
"Jackson explains how her photography challenges entrenched stereotypes of Black people—often depicted as violent or hypersexualized—by reclaiming these images to offer new narratives. She chose the anthropology museum as the setting because of its commitment to decolonization discourse and its wide public reach, aiming to foster meaningful conversations around colonialism, slavery, and racial injustice.
She also delves into the symbolism of the “ghost limb,” representing the lasting trauma and exclusion experienced by marginalized groups. Despite the directness of her critique on colonial history and racism, she approaches these topics with composure, urging Spain to acknowledge its complex past openly. By placing herself in much of her work, she embodies and transforms collective trauma into a powerful dialogue. Additionally, Jackson connects Afro-descendant identities across cultures, referencing the song Angelitos negros to highlight Spain’s often unexamined racial history and encourage deeper reflection on shared memories."
