Donna Lyons
Beyond the Veil is an exploration into double consciousness, a concept introduced by W.E.B. Du Bois in 1903, and defined as the internal conflict experienced by marginalized or oppressed groups, particularly, but not exclusively African Americans. Members of marginalised groups navigate conflicting identities: the identity imposed by a dominant culture, and their own self-identity rooted in their marginalised history and experiences. The project was created following the racist riots of 2024, amid an increasingly antagonistic media environment.
Du Bois considers the “veil” as a metaphor to describe the social separation between Black Americans and White American society. It symbolizes the barriers that prevent a true understanding of Black identity and experience. In these images, duality or ‘twoness’ is expressed through obscured composition. Lighting and layering convey the tension between visibility and invisibility, authenticity and perception, and highlight the complexities of navigating multiple identities.
This project is not an inquiry into what lies beneath the surface. It does not aim to provide revelation or insight into truths that exist beyond societal stereotypes or “veils” that obscure authentic narratives.
The creation of this work is a testament, not just to surviving the constraints of societal norms, but thriving through creative expression and self-representation. It invites a broader discourse about the multiplicity of black identities whilst questioning whether we will ever transcend racialised constructed barriers and move beyond the veil.
Find more of Donna’s work below: