Searching for Africa in Life 1996

Alfredo Jaar created Searching for Africa in Life. The artwork embodies Jaar's critical approach to how the Western media represents Africa. Jaar, born in Chile, often addresses political injustice and explores the ethics of representation. This piece is no exception, presenting a grid of images taken from the pages of *Life* magazine. As you observe the work, note the overwhelming visual effect created by the multitude of images. Look closely and you may notice that the final panel is incomplete, and gradually becomes a blank, white space. Jaar asks us to consider how the media shapes our perceptions and understanding of different cultures, and encourages reflection on what is shown, what is prioritized, and what is left unseen. It serves as a potent reminder of the importance of critical engagement with media narratives, inviting us to reflect on how we consume and interpret images of distant realities.