posted on 2024-03-18, 17:09authored byAlliya Lopez
This major research project highlights skin whitening in Filipino communities and its relations to critical race theory and colourism through a multi-methodological approach of content analysis and arts-based research. Researchers have examined how colourism in Asia and the Philippines have flourished, but little research exists regarding social media and its presentation of colourism through skincare companies. Further, there has been no incorporation of arts-based research in approaching Asia’s skin whitening practices. This project aims to explore the messages Filipino skincare brands promote to consumers on Instagram regarding skin tone while using the messages to guide a creative exploration. Twenty Instagram companies were analyzed for the initial stage of this project through a content analysis. The findings from the analysis resulted in the creation of artworks that respond to and create cultural messages about skin tone stratification in the Philippines.