This series of monochromatic portraits, titled Portrait of a Poet – A Journey Through Layers, explores the multifaceted persona of Manka Menga, a Tanzanian poet whose work challenges societal norms and serves as a form of self-expression and therapy. It's an intimate journey into the poet's singular world, yet a reflection of the universal human experience, where we all seek to commune with ourselves. Highlighting the paradox of human experience – the unique and the universal intertwined.
The Portraits
In an era increasingly shaped by digital manipulation, this project embraces a return to authenticity. A dialogue of aesthetics, the concept of beauty and imperfection. Recognizing the power of unfiltered truth, we consciously decided to forgo excessive retouching, particularly of the skin. This decision reflects a shared belief in the importance of honesty and vulnerability in artistic expression.
A Journey of Self-Discovery
Inspired by Manka's poetry, the series delves into her inner world, revealing layers of identity, memory, and experience. The distinctive lines adorning her face, a result of a daily ritual honoring her late grandmother, symbolize her connection to tradition and her unique path of self-discovery. Creating and experiencing art is an intimate contact with oneself. We wanted these portraits to reflect that intimacy and honesty, which is why we chose not to retouch the skin.
The Role of Photography
Employing a blend of wide-angle and narrow lenses, we sought to capture the poet's presence in a manner that is both intimate and expansive. Each image invites viewers on a journey of introspection, much like reading a poem, prompting contemplation on the interplay between personal experience and the universal human condition.
Self-Writing
A tattoo adorns the poet's hands: But this will give you poetry. This personal mantra, a testament to the transformative power of art, serves as a constant reminder of her ability to transform pain and uncertainty into creative expression.
A Call for Authenticity
In an era of pervasive digital manipulation, Portrait of a Poet – A Journey Through Layers stands as a testament to the power of honest and unfiltered self-expression. By embracing vulnerability and authenticity, both poet and photographer have created a series of portraits that resonate with profound sincerity.
Collaboration and Inspiration
The starting point for the photos was Manka's poetry. When we met in person, the day before our first session, to discuss specific ideas inspired by the poems, we discovered that our first idea for a photo—a mirrored reflection—was exactly the same. As the series progressed, some of the photos became inspirations for new poems.
The Invitation
Each image in this series reveals a new facet of Manka's identity, inviting viewers to contemplate the interplay between the personal and the universal.
About the Poet
Manka Menga, also known as Dr. Winifrida John Mmasi MD, is a multi-disciplinary artist. Through her poetry and visual arts, she challenges learned internalized misinformation both personally and socially. Her poetry, deliberately sensual and challenging, serves as both therapy and a victory over her abusers. She challenges the scope of self-expression afforded to African women and queer people, inspired by women who, through their defiance of societal norms, have achieved a place in history and the hearts and minds of society.
Piotr Skubisz
Piotr Skubisz is an independent photographer passionate about portrait photography, the human body, and the exploration of self-awareness and self-discovery. He graduated from The Film School in Łódź (PWSFTviT) and Polish Studies at the University of Warsaw, where he developed an interest in cultural anthropology, which strongly influences his approach to capturing the human experience. Photography is for him a continuous journey of experiencing and discovering, blending aesthetics with reflection.
Recognized for his work, Piotr was shortlisted in the Portraiture category of the Open competition at the prestigious 2025 Sony World Photography Awards. He has also been awarded a Gold and Bronze medal at the PX3 2024 competition and has received official selections in the IPA.
Piotr collaborates with models, creating authentic, expressive portraits and fine art photography. His work explores the nuances of human emotion and cultural identity, striving to capture the essence of each portrayed subject.
Currently based in Warsaw, he enjoys travelling and is always open to new challenges. Commissions are welcome, including travel assignments.
piotrskubisz.com
@pietus_photo
All about Piotr Skubisz
For self by Manka Menga
What makes this body
the thing to return to every morning ?
chastise it
make a presentation of it
protect it from the elements
the temptations of belonging
the very weapons formed against me
what makes this skin to thicken
form a barrier between myself
and the meat of their tongues
what makes me want to see the universe
through these here eyes
doe like
full of a wisdom forced upon them
by cancerous growths
when I should have remained tender
just a little longer
what makes me want to speak
with this voice
this quiet mellow tremor of my spirit
what will my voice even say
how and when
will I shriek
when it matters
would I whisper
when it is just the thing required
what makes me want to walk
in these legs carrying these feet
through this wilderness
of living
where would I let them carry me
autonomously
would I have courage to tread new paths
leaving but breadcrumbs
lest I survive the dragging
through the muck of growth
growing pains in my liver
accumulating fear in my appendix
what makes me want to multiply
my sins
in this here uterus
what does this pelvis know
of carrying children
has it ever done the right thing
at the right time
why would this time be different
would I stretch to let a world through
or would i feast
on my own flesh and blood
in the battle for nutrients
What makes me want to feed it
stomach knowledge
no matter how bitter the taste
will this body sustain it
will it live by bread alone
what if it must survive droughts
would I see it through
would I eat what the earth putrefies
how far would I go to keep it alive
what makes this flesh
the thing to keep filling with life
whose only promise is death
every other way
what makes this body worthy
one more rotation
with breath in its lungs
Well…
this skin is kin
This voice is visceral
These legs kindred spirits
This uterus the very garden of Eden
This stomach is intimate
This body,
well
This body is mine.
the thing I return to
every morning.
