Yannis Davy Guibinga’s (b. 1995) latest series, The day the sun turned black, is a meditation on the shared moments that define humanity – as told through the metaphor of a solar eclipse. It invites viewers to reflect on wonder, fear and unity, reminding us that, even in dark moments, a common light binds us all.
The series unfolds in a sequence of dramatic tableaux, each meticulously composed to highlight the interplay between light and darkness. In one scene, characters look out from within, pointing at a deep orange sky from behind tall panes of glass. Elsewhere, figures stare at the phenomenon from the shore.
The series is inspired by the works of playwrights like Robert Wilson and Francesca Zambello, pairing the visual language of stage plays with vivid colours and silhouettes that are common in Guibinga’s work. The story moves and the characters and scenes change, but the audience’s perspective stays the same.
Words: Emma Jacob
All images courtesy Yannis Davy Guibinga.
