Visual representations of identity in Afropolitan magazine covers

Abstract : This study investigates how an Afropolitan identity is visually represented on the Afropolitan magazine covers. This study addresses all the magazines produced from 2006 to 2018. The study aims to interpret the possible ways in which the Afropolitan identity is visually represented on the magazine covers’ design by conducting a content and semiotic analysis. In my theoretical research, I explore the various notions around Afropolitanism as a postcolonial identity. I also explore the theory related to representation, magazine design and, fashion as language. Postcolonial concepts such as hybridity, ethnicity, and race, amongst others, are conceptual tenets upon which I conduct my research and visual analysis. The results of this process is a comprehensive account of how the covers visually construct a twentieth century, hybrid African image. The findings of the semiotic analysis show that the visual representation of the Afropolitan is portrayed strongly through the reference of jazz culture imagery. The strongest postcolonial concepts that appear throughout the visual analysis are hybridity, modernism and a black consciousness. The findings also show how the magazine cover can be used as a powerful medium in the representation of cultural identities and contributes to our understanding of Afropolitanism in the field of South African graphic design. This study tackles a knowledge gap within South African graphic design by addressing the representation of an African identity from a design perspective.M.A. (Graphic Design