Albinism: Achromatic Survival seeks to generate empathy and raise awareness in society about the lives of people with low melanin levels, a condition that, in some countries, puts their lives at risk.

Today, harassment, abuse, and even murder affect these individuals for having a condition different from the rest. In African areas such as Malawi, people with albinism are attacked, discriminated against, and victims of acts of witchcraft. Furthermore, their limbs, hair, and genitals are traded on the black market.

The fundamental objective of this project is to globally highlight albinism and the practices currently carried out in Malawi in order to raise awareness of what puts these people's lives at risk.

The next objective is to raise money for civil society organizations in different countries and for the NGO Beyond, which are currently working towards a better future for these individuals.

Support from institutions

The project concept focuses on highlighting two essential themes: albinism and the sociocultural consequences faced by individuals born with this condition in Malawi, Africa.

The primary material used is felt, which further emphasizes the concept and the symbolism of hair—its ideological, aesthetic, and commercial weight. The plaster sculptures, also part of the installation, underscore fragility, achromaticism, form, and value when juxtaposed with scales. To complete the visual narrative, candles, earth, chicken bones, feathers, and cauldrons represent the macabre rituals that exploit these vulnerable individuals.

The objective is to create this art installation to expose the subjugation of these people, their poor quality of life, and the risks they face. Raising awareness about their situation is vital. Equally crucial is raising funds to further the visibility and support for this community in Malawi, Africa.

The funds raised will be used for essential resources such as sunscreen, appropriate clothing for ultraviolet radiation protection, sunglasses, lenses, food, warm clothing, mattresses, school renovations if needed, and contributions to civil society organizations in various countries and to the NGO Beyond Suncare, which is working to ensure that being albino is no longer an achromatic struggle for survival.

The installation will consist of the following elements:

1. Large-Scale Hanging Heads: Four large, hanging heads will be the central focus. These sculptures will feature pronounced facial expressions, emphasizing the distinct characteristics of individuals with albinism. The jaw area of each head will be connected to the lower part of the installation with robotic elements, symbolizing the practice of witchcraft and ritualistic use of body parts.

2. Scale of Body Parts: Directly below the heads, a series of white plaster sculptures representing arms, hair, hands, ears, and noses will be arranged in a descending scale of value. Each sculpture will interact with a balance scale. This element symbolizes two key aspects: the mutilated white limbs of people with albinism and the machete, a weapon deeply symbolic in Africa and representative of the chilling reality of the black market trade in human body parts. The scales pose a powerful question: What should hold more weight?

3. Decontextualized Ritual: The installation will also feature a decontextualized representation of a ritual, using a circle to display symbolic objects used in the preparation of potions and charms.

4. Supporting Media: The installation will be complemented by videos and photographs taken in Malawi, Africa, providing further context and visual impact.

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Our Vision, Mission, and Objectives

Global Interconnections

The art installation will serve as a connection between countries around the world, generating a flow of knowledge, cultural exchange, and economic activity.

Objectives:

• Project Representation: A representative will oversee the project, securing funding and managing the production of the art installation, a related book, and a documentary film.
• Cultural Exchange: Communication with embassies globally will be established to facilitate the transportation and exhibition of the installation.
• Capitals as Meeting Points: Capital cities will serve as venues for viewing the artwork. Public and free spaces with high foot traffic will be selected to ensure easy access. These spaces will maintain the same thematic focus, creating an environment conducive to knowledge sharing.
• Fundraising: Proceeds from the sale of photographs to the public will provide financial support to foundations, institutions, associations, and schools worldwide that assist families and individuals with albinism.

Analysis of the artwork

The project, titled "Albinism, Achromatic Survival" (emphasizing/highlighting the constant struggle of those affected to protect their own lives), focuses on the constant fight for survival faced by people living with albinism in Africa.

They are extremely vulnerable. The continuous subjugation they have endured since the beginning of slavery, coupled with a lack of understanding and awareness, are factors that severely affect this at-risk population.

At first glance, the installation is composed of three phases, all interconnected by a common thread.

"As above, so below." The relationship between the upper and lower sections is fundamental to conveying the message.

The heads begin to move, with only their jaws articulating, as the viewer approaches. This movement gestures the word "help" in their native Nyanja language, without producing any sound. Following this action, the ground beneath them is observed to tremble, symbolizing the deaths of these individuals.

The installation will be accompanied by an audiovisual component featuring documented videos and photographs taken in Malawi.

The objective of the artistic installation is to bring visibility to this ritual, exposing the cruelty of these acts and prompting reflection on their continued occurrence and the impunity surrounding them.

Felt has been chosen as the medium, based on the concept of constructing from natural fibers such as fleece, to establish an analogy with the hair of these victims.