THIS IS NOT A FASHION STATEMENT.

There’s a reason I’m sensitive and suspicious when guns are used for aesthetics (see previous post). 

“TURKANA WARRIORS” by Gwenn DuBourthoumieu is different.

What do you see when you look at these photos?

These photos could seem colorful and happy at first but for me they reveal one thing: in North Kenya, a region far away from the rest of the world, the only traces of a modern world in traditional pastoral communities are war weapons. It’s a sad symbol of the effect of globalization. 

Do your images help the viewer understand the subject in a new way?

Weapons are the central elements of these portraits. They almost look out of context in these desolated landscapes and in comparison with the warriors, their wives, their clothes… Weapons and plastic cans seem to be the only modern products which have made it to these lost countries : the first step of globalization?

Guns are the most modern part of this part of Kenya. The socio- and geopolitics surrounding that is sad. What’s also sad is that the American entertainment scene I identify with parades guns around with the message simply being “look how badass I am.” Illest even designed a gun! 

The supply/demand/need/desire for guns is extremely complex. At this point in globalization it can be understood that a series of events could lead one to need a gun. All I ask is to rethink (or think just once) when using guns in your photoshoots. LETS MAKE IT MEAN SOMETHING. <3

Love you all and I wish no harm upon any of you.

-T