feature: trinidadian-canadian photographer ishmil waterman presents thought-provoking portrait series “activated melanin”

“Activated Melanin” is an imaginative portrait series by Trinidadian-Canadian self-described “light catcher” Ishmil Waterman. The spooky, thought-provoking series serves as the visual representation for a conscious awakening of black minds into a higher state of being. “I created this portrait series to showcase all shades of black beauty, as well as illustrate a concept of awakening to a state of higher being,” Waterman tells AFROPUNK.

Model: @iamnattee

Model: @madamethyst

Model: @kyaraonline

Model: @hisnameplz

Model: @sadiqdesh

Model: @annaxfora

Model: @klyne.to

Model: @noragi

Model: @mr.alphonso

Model: @alexanderxshabazz

instagram.com/ishmilwaterman
ishmil.com

*Erin White is an Atlanta-based writer and AFROPUNK’s editorial and social media assistant. You can follow her on Tumblr or friend her on Facebook. Have a pitch or an inquiry? Shoot her an email at erin@afropunk.com.