Montreal-based photographer Yannis Davy Guibinga is bringing his vibrant portrait photography to the streets of Los Angeles through his latest project, 'Of Colour.' The series features bold, large-scale portraits that use saturated hues to illuminate figures and celebrate contemporary African identity. In collaboration with Los Angeles-based media company StandardVision, the project displays several of Guibinga's striking compositions across eight billboards throughout the month of November.
Guibinga, who has built a reputation for his vivid portrait photography, focuses on the intersection of art and public spaces in his work. According to a statement about the new project, 'Of Colour' is particularly relevant when it comes to celebrating culture, heritage, and a sense of belonging for a new generation of Africans who embrace the multiplicity of their heritage in an increasingly globalized world. The artist uses color as a powerful means of communication, treating it as a language that can effectively convey storytelling, emotions, and symbols of identity.
The photographer's approach to color serves a deeper purpose beyond aesthetic appeal. The saturated hues combined with the careful interplay of light and shadow work together to reflect themes of joy, pride, and the complex nature of the Black experience. Through these visual elements, Guibinga creates portraits that speak to both individual identity and collective cultural experience, making his work resonate with diverse audiences.
Guibinga explains that through these bold, large-scale portraits, he aims to explore how color carries emotion and identity, describing the project as an expansion of his ongoing work on contemporary African representation. The billboard format allows his art to reach beyond traditional gallery spaces and engage with the broader public, making art accessible to people in their daily lives as they move through the urban landscape.
The collaboration with StandardVision represents a significant step in bringing fine art photography to public spaces in Los Angeles. By alternating the vibrant compositions across multiple billboards throughout November, the project creates a city-wide exhibition that transforms ordinary advertising spaces into platforms for cultural expression and artistic dialogue. Those interested in exploring more of Guibinga's work can visit his official website and follow his Instagram account for additional pieces and updates on his artistic endeavors.
