We asked fall 2021 intern Sarah to complete a couple of the “Questions for Viewing” from our teaching packet for Namsa Leuba: Crossed Looks. She chose a question that asks viewers to imagine a conversation between two works of art and one that asks viewers to pose as a photograph subject and imagine their feelings.

Below are Sarah’s answers. Why don’t you try it for yourself? You can see this activity and all the other writing prompts by clicking here. Even if you can’t make it into our galleries to do this activity, you can still see Crossed Looks by checking out the virtual exhibition!

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Our Questions for Viewing:
Imagine the subjects in two photographs from two different series could talk to each other. What would they say? How would their voice sound? What kind of questions would they ask each other? Would they be comfortable if they visited each other? Why do you think that?

If the figure surrounded by faux wild cats in the Cocktail photography series [Untitled I, 2011 , pictured above right] could speak to the blue painted figure in the Illusions photography series, [La déesse hit I, pictured above left] they would have a lot to say. Maybe they would ask each other how they feel in their attire? What their surroundings tell about them. What attributes are communicated through their photos. I believe they would be comfortable if they visited each other’s spaces. They both seem powerful in their stance and that leads me to believe they can be that way in any space they’re set in.

 

Our Questions for Viewing:

Portraits often include several elements such as pose, gesture, facial expression, clothing, and props. Look at the Mamiwata, 2017 photograph in the Weke series. (pictured above) Mimic the pose. What words describe how you feel in this pose? Look closely at gestures and facial expressions. What can you tell about this person based on gestures and facial expression? How do you think this person is feeling? What might this person be thinking? What do you see that makes you say that?

Confident, Powerful, and Resilient

They feel strong and powerful to me as if they are looking ahead towards the heavens. It seems like they are calling for something. The colorful flower crown and outstretching bands of gold resemble a holy figurine. The series is focused on Voodoo, the idea that spirits and mythical gods rule the living, natural and spiritual world and the interconnectedness between them. To me, they seem almighty and confident, as if drawing that energy from their spiritual guides.