Portrait of a Life-Cast of Guidon, Madagascar 2010

Fiona Pardington’s *Portrait of a Life-Cast of Guidon, Madagascar* (2010) is a poignant photograph of a life-cast of a Malagasy man named Guidon, taken in 1894. The image depicts a close-up of Guidon’s face and upper torso, emphasizing the detail of the cast and its inscription. The work reflects on the colonial history of Madagascar, exploring the representation of individuals within scientific and anthropological collections. Pardington's use of photography draws attention to the objectification of human subjects in the context of scientific inquiry. The portrait challenges viewers to consider the ethical implications of collecting and displaying human remains.