“From Harlem, New York to Togo, West Africa, the portraits in this book were created in celebration of the black female, represented by women who are amongst the Venuses of the world. Wives, mothers, daughters, sisters, girlfriends, rebels — they are exposed yet wrapped in the memories of their past, the histories of their ancestry. They bear the individual cloaks of their present and future as women of color. The project puts emphasis on women who do not trap themselves in the artificial societal ideals of beauty and who take strength in their body and heritage.”
The East European-born Maxim is a portrait photographer currently based in Charlotte, North Carolina. His intent is to “cast a light on the “venus” in black women who do not trap themselves in the artificial ideals of beauty and who find grace in their body, heritage and individuality.”
The images presented here are just a taste of the extraordinary collection in his new coffee table book. To get your copy of the book visit: http://blackvenusproject.com/book