Medina Dugger is an art photographer from California, based in Lagos, Nigeria since 2011. She studied at Spéos Photographic Institute in Paris, France. Through collage and photography, her work seeks to bypass the singular storylines common to Nigeria and Africa, instead focusing on themes both contemporary and timeless including identity, femininity, tradition, modernity, acculturation, ethnocentrism, cultural stereotypes, cultural homogenisation, globalisation and style. Her work challenges Western preconceptions on race, color and ideas of "otherness". She has been featured in Vogue, Smithsonian, Something We Africans Got, CNN Africa, Dazed, Marie Claire SA, National Geographic among other publications. Medina was awarded First Prize in Magnum Photography Award 'Open' Category, Lensculture Portrait Award 'Juror's Pick', Winning placement in The The Prix de la Photographie, Paris (P×3) 2018 and 2019. She's exhibited in 2019 Investec Cape Town Art Fair, Untitled, Art Miami 2018, IAF Basel, Voies Off Festival in Arles, and Bozar Expo, Brussels, Belgium, 2016.
In a series of bold and colorful photographs, this photographer sheds light on the joyful and vibrant practice of veiling in Nigeria.
Taking inspiration from an iconic Nigerian photographer, this playful series pays tribute to the rich history of local hair culture.
