Monster

Monster, a monumental self-portrait taken in 1988, in black and white, physically imposes itself on the viewer. Given its dimensions, this face-to-face encounter could even be a photo shoot. Is Jafa taking a portrait of the white community? In any case, he certainly immortalizes our view of his Blackness. 

Much of the power of this work lies in the friction between the image and its title. At first glance, we see a Black man, camera in hand, taking a picture in front of a mirror. Despite the stark contrast and unusual framing, this photograph respects the codes of the classic self-portrait. By giving it the title Monster, he changes our vision, forcing the viewer to see something else: this is a monster. Does Arthur Jafa consider himself a monster? Or is he reflecting back to us the way others view the Black community? Primitive beings, frightening and cruel creatures—these stereotypes are still deeply ingrained in society. A scathing examination of xenophobia in the United States, this betrayal of the image highlights the power—and violence—of words and discourse.

This work is held by the Pinault Collection and was first presented at the "Corps et âmes" de Commerce in 2025.