Loza Maleombho is Still Pushing Boundaries with Her ‘Alien Edits’ Selfie Series.
Turning the lens on yourself, using oneself as muse, is perhaps an act - depending on purpose and function - that lies somewhere between narcissism, curiosity and self-exploration. For Loza Maleombho, the art of taking a selfie is an act of empowerment that should never be underestimated. In the age of digital self-portraits, Maleombho has become something of a selfie sensation with her piercing looks, striking jawline, elongated neck, and diverse array of carefully curated objects usually placed atop her head like crowns, created for her ongoing Alien Edits series. Making use of symbolism, life and art are both a delicate balance in the literal and figurative sense as life imitates art, and art reflects life, for Maleombho through these portraits.
Constantly putting together new work to address the purpose of the project, it’s been a little over a year since our last interview with Maleombho. Over this time, she’s added several more portraits, materializing her inspiration into works that challenge conventional representations of black African women, inspiring others to create their own alien selfies or created illustrated versions of her own portraits. And with items ranging from vintage sewing machines and Senufo masks, to calabash instruments and chickens, she doesn’t shy away from making use of seemingly mundane items that are recognizable facets of life for many Africans.
Her project is currently enjoying its first major exhibition at LouiSimone Guirandou Gallery in Abidjan, having also being featured at this year’s Lagos Live Festival in June. Catching up on all this, she discusses her journey, the purpose of Alien Edits, and even gives us a few tips on where to repose in her hometown.
I’ve always thought the title ‘Alien Edits’ was as intriguing as the portraits themselves. Can you share with us the meaning behind the term Alien Edits for those that might be unfamiliar with your series?
Alien refers to the alienation one might experience when facing an injustice, prejudice or when a victim of stereotype or racism. Edits refers to change or the option of taking matter into my own hand.
Your work is currently on view in both Abidjan and Lagos. What is it like for you having your work shown in physical public spaces, especially in African countries?
I don’t think showing in public places is any different from my images being passed around on Instagram or Tumblr, or items from my fashion line being worn by perfect strangers around the world. It’s always the same feeling: a very unsettling and humble pride. But the series speaks for a matter other than myself. It’s a selfie project, yet has very little to do with who I am as an individual and much more to do with a social message for our community; the international Black culture I call Alien Nation. I am speaking to African Americans, American Africans, Africans, African Europeans, African Asians etc. It’s safe to say that all of us share the same struggle against oppressive institutions, racism and stereotypes and my response here manifests in a celebration of our cultural diversities and similarities.
I think the most rewarding response from the public has been of people creating their own selfies inspired by this concept and sharing it on social medias.
A video posted by Loza Maléombho (@lozamaleombho) on Jun 20, 2016 at 8:45am PDT
In over a year of posting your Alien Edits selfies you’ve managed to gain a considerable following of fans and admirers alike. What has been the highlight of the Alien Edits journey for you thus far?
I want to say, being able to exhibit the series in a Gallery, but I can’t deny the positive feedback I got from people all over the world, who have related to these images and participated and shared the hashtag by reproducing and reinterpreting the concept in their own way.
You describe yourself as a creative, you’ve successfully worked in fashion for several years now, and your Instagram page is a stream of beautifully captured scenes in your life. Are there any cross influences between your fashion label and Alien Edits? Do the two merge and overlap in any way?
They do overlap to a certain extent. I have an obsession with African masks dancers so you easily find recurrences of masks in my collections as well as in Alien Edits, the same with other cultural references.
Aside from seeing your exhibition in Abidjan, are there other places and things you recommend visiting or seeing in the city?
Yes. Bushman Café is a must for dinner and drinks and they host occasional electro parties! Jardyland is a fun family lunch on weekends, Hotel Particulier for an intimate and secluded stay away from the city but in the city. Kajazoma is a quiet lounging restaurant with modern African setting.
Anything we can expect from you in the near future?
I can say for sure that I am not restricted to my professional field.
(all images and videos via loza maleombho)
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