There are not nearly enough fashion artists and illustrators that choose to solely draw images that filter fashion through an afrocentric lens, so we get super excited when we find them. Especially when they’re young, self taught and with a fresh perspective on style. French born illustrator Benbiayenda’s illustrations of black beauty and fashion rituals cast a benevolent and truly interesting light on the acts unique to black bodies whose cultural significance is often overlooked.
We went through his tumblr and picked our favourite images from his catalog so you can see what we see.
This gorgeous depiction of natural haired women engaging in self love via selfies.
These amazing portraits of Sudanese models Ajak Deng, Grace Bol and Nykhor Paul.
@nykhor 💙 #blueblackgirl #blackart #melanin #art #artwork #portrait #blackmodel #blackmodelsmatter
A photo posted by Artfro (@benbiayenda) on
A photo posted by Artfro (@benbiayenda) on
This barbershp scene that depicts male beauty rituals.
This monochrome illustration of a Maasai woman in traditional garb and jewellery.
This glorious scene of a black hair salon (peep the Banku knots.)
This gorgeous portrait of contemporary Vogue muse, Amy Sall.
@amy_sall 👸🏿#portrait#bogolan#illustration#melanin#blackart#drawing#africa#artist#artwork#art
A photo posted by Artfro (@benbiayenda) on
This haunting image of a South Sudanese woman with ceremonial scarring.
What are you waiting for, Benbiayenda’s the brutha we gon’ follow.