Studio portrait of two unknown Buddhist monks, Sri Lanka

This studio portrait of two unknown Buddhist monks in Sri Lanka was taken by W.L.H. Skeen & Co., a photography studio that operated during the British colonial period. During this time, photography played a crucial role in shaping perceptions of colonized people. Studios like Skeen's often produced images that reinforced colonial power structures, presenting exoticized and objectified versions of local cultures. In contrast, the expressions on the faces of the monks seems to resist this act of colonial objectification. The serene yet intense gazes invite contemplation, hinting at the complex negotiations of identity and representation that unfolded between colonizers and colonized subjects. Their traditional robes and fans speak to the endurance of Buddhist practices, offering a counter-narrative to the colonial gaze. The work invites us to think about how individuals navigate their identities and maintain cultural continuity amidst the disruptions of colonial power.