Cultural Appropriation, or "why I don't use the word 'holi' when referring to my work.

With the summer kicking off into high gear and many COVID-19 restrictions being loosened, my mind goes to the many coloured powder photo shoots that will likely be taking place this season.

It is not uncommon for this style of coloured powder photography to be referred to as holi powder photography, but in my opinion this is not an appropriate title for it as it encourages cultural appropriation.

Cultural appropriation is the adoption of an element of one culture or identity by members of another culture or identity. This can be controversial when members of a dominant culture appropriate from minority cultures.

Holi is a popular ancient Hindu festival, also known as the “Festival of Love”, the “Festival of Colours”, and the “Festival of Spring”. To celebrate it, brightly coloured powder known as Gulal is thrown. This Gulal is frequently misidentified as holi powder. It is problematic when people who don’t identify as Hindus strip the festival of its spiritual context and history, and especially so to strip it of meaning for simple photos.

I argue that it is unnecessary to introduce issues of cultural appropriation into your work when it is perfectly clear and acceptable to use alternative terminology.

A few years back, after receiving some education, I made a conscious decision to refer to these sessions as “coloured powder” photography and not “holi powder” and I urge you to do the same.

Thanks for taking the time to read/share this!

Jess
Jess Bell Photography