IMANI DENNISON AND LATETRA METTS-OWENS, NAKED TRUTH
“In the series titled “Naked Truth,” a collaboration between fine artist Latetra Metts-Owens and Photographer, Imani Dennison, explores the truth behind people naked selves. In phase one of this project, subjects were interviewed and recorded on film, revealing things about themselves that were both uncomfortable and secret. In some cases, participants revealed things about themselves that they had never told anyone: insecurities, life goals and dreams, how they viewed themselves ,and what they would do with their last moments on earth.
Phase two of this series was painting the subjects while in nude, based off of the answers i their interview. Latetra Metts-Owens painted each subject, paying close attention to detail as she painted the story of these souls on their naked bodies. For one subject, she painted half of his face Black, and upon his request, the the other half—pink, a color generally associated with females. This half pink half Black face painting highlighting his sexual and social identity as a Black man and member of the LGBT community.
Phase three of this series was being photographed by Photographer, Imani Dennison. With each pose and lighting being specific to the subject, Imani documented the emotion and personaltiy of each subject, capturing an essence of who they are, and how they were feeling at the present time.” - Imani Dennison