The work of artist Ellen Gallagher is both captivating to look at and satisfying to decode. She produces beautifully tactile pieces using found imagery from 50s African-American magazines. Using pictographs, symbols, codes and repetitions Gallegher frequently explores themes related to race. 

She is particularly known for customising advertisements for skin-lighteners and other cosmetics products from magazines such as Ebony. By adding blonde hair and white eyes with plasticine she is able to perform her own type of transformations to the models.

An exhibition of Ellen Gallagher’s work is currently showing in London at the Tate Modern (1st May-1st Sep). Visit the website for more details.  

(via oomkzine)