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Tati. Self-portraits

Samuel Fosso
1997
C Prints

Samuel Fosso's "Tati" series is a compelling exploration of identity, performance, and cultural representation. Created in the late 1990s, this series showcases Fosso's remarkable ability to transform himself into various personas, each meticulously crafted through costume, makeup, and posture. The photographs were taken in a Parisian photo studio, and the series is named after the Tati department store where Fosso purchased the costumes.

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In "Tati," Samuel Fosso dons an array of outfits ranging from traditional African garments to Western business suits, thereby challenging conventional notions of African identity. The series serves as a visual commentary on the complexities of post-colonial African identity and the influence of globalization. Each photograph is a tableau that captures the essence of a specific character, inviting viewers to question the boundaries between self and other, native and foreign, tradition and modernity.

The compositions are striking in their simplicity, often featuring Fosso against a monochromatic backdrop that serves to highlight the intricacies of his costumes and the subtleties of his expressions. The lighting is carefully controlled to cast dramatic shadows, adding depth and texture to each image.

From an art historical perspective, the "Tati" series can be situated within the broader context of performative photography and self-portraiture. Fosso's work draws on a rich lineage of artists who have used their bodies as a canvas for social and political commentary, from Cindy Sherman to Claude Cahun. However, what sets Fosso apart is his unique focus on the African experience, both within the continent and in the diaspora.

Samuel Fosso's "Tati" series is a masterful blend of artistry and activism, offering a nuanced look at the multifaceted nature of identity in a rapidly changing world. It is a seminal work that continues to resonate with audiences, challenging them to reflect on the fluidity of identity and the ongoing dialogue between tradition and modernity.

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Surrounded by a medley of fabrics and patterns, the artist sits on a leopard-print chair, holding sunflowers. He wears a hat made of animal fur and pants in a similar print. Gold necklaces and a fancy ring add a touch of bling. His shoes are off, placed beside a small mat for his bare feet. A bag with fabric lies next to the chair.
Tati - Chief
Dressed in traditional golfing attire, the artist holds what appears to be an old-fashioned wooden club. His gloves seem oversized, and he wears glasses. The backdrop is a painted sheet that resembles a field, yet the lighting is so muted that he almost blends into the sky.
Tati - Golfer
Wearing a pointed hat and a silver band wrapped around his head to cover one eye, the artist dons an unbuttoned Victorian jacket that exposes his chest. He holds pieces of jewellery, adding a touch of plunder to the portrait.
Tati - Pirate
Set against a red background, the artist embodies the quintessential rocker in a leather jacket, gold-patterned pants, and dark glasses. The vivid backdrop amplifies the rebellious spirit of the character.
Tati - Rocker
Dressed in a sailor's hat, jacket, and white pants, the artist leans on a wooden frame, his gaze directed into the distance. The pose evokes a sense of longing or perhaps contemplation of voyages yet to come.
Tati - Sailor
Clad only in a towel and sporting swimming goggles, the artist presents a bare torso against a stark white background. The minimalistic setting focuses attention on the subject, evoking a sense of vulnerability and strength.
Tati - Lifeguard
Dressed in a grey suit and tie, and wearing glasses, the artist holds a landline telephone in a deliberately posed manner. His gaze is directed into the distance, and his smile suggests a sense of optimism or aspiration. The white background adds a corporate sterility.
Tati - Businessman 1
In a wider shot, the artist is again on the phone but this time without glasses. His full attire, down to his shoes, is visible. The white background is punctuated by the casting of three distinct shadows, adding a surreal touch.
Tati - Businessman 2
Donning a suit bursting with colours and patterns, purple heels, and an eclectic mix of jewellery, the artist also wears a scarf on his head topped with a hat. The backdrop mimics a natural setting, painted to resemble leaves and greenery, while the floor looks like a woven picnic basket.
Tati - Liberated Woman
Draped in a black formal dress and adorned with a wig, the artist sits elegantly on a chair. The rich red background serves as a vivid contrast, amplifying the sense of sophistication and grace.
Tati - Middle Class Woman 1
A close-up reveals the artist's face adorned with a muted, almost inebriated smile that doesn't quite reach his eyes. He holds a white fur jacket and wears an array of fancy jewellery, adding layers of opulence.
Tati - Middle Class Woman 2
© Samuel Fosso
See our sources
Tati Series: Samuel Fosso
Samuel Fosso Official
Samuel Fosso: Official Site
Samuel Fosso Official
Tati Series
Samuel Fosso Official