Christelle Oyiri’s story originally appeared in Up + Rising, a celebration of extraordinary Black voices, and is the first chapter of i-D’s 40th anniversary issue (1980-2020).
i-D chronicled over 100 activists and artists, musicians and writers, photographers and creatives, in Atlanta, Baltimore, Minneapolis, LA, London, New York, Paris and Toronto.
“I must admit I think a lot has been said these past few years and most importantly, this past year. So I’m not sure how MORE speaking can help. We’re living a historical call to action but surrounded by a lot of noise, images of death obstructing Black people’s mental health.
Being forced to elaborate on your humanity is ultimately damaging. Will it ever stop?
I feel like adding my piece is also finding peace in silence, softness and stillness. I don’t have anything to say, anything to add to the tale of our social death, and it’s okay.”
Credits
Photography Joshua Woods.
Styling Dan Sablon.
Hair and make-up Aurore Gibrien at Bryant Artists using L’Oreal hair and Dior make-up.
Set design Kaduri Elyashar.
Photography assistance Kyle Keese.
Styling assistance Latif Samassi.
Make-up assistance Ruben Mas.
Casting director Samuel Ellis Scheinman for DMCASTING.
Casting assistance Alexandra Antonova.