How taking a second look can change your everything

The Encyclopedia of Invisibility is a monumental work by Tavares Strachan, featuring entries on individuals, places, and events often overlooked in history. It serves as both a literary and sculptural piece, challenging traditional narratives by bringing to light forgotten stories. The project is part of Strachan's broader practice of excavating hidden histories and questioning the conditions that render some stories invisible.

In 'Invisible Man,' Ralph Ellison tells the story of a nameless black protagonist who navigates the surreal and often hostile world of 20th-century America. The novel begins with the narrator living in an underground room, reflecting on his life and the various ways he has experienced social invisibility. He recounts his journey from a small Southern town to Harlem, involving experiences with racism, a brutal 'battle royal,' and his involvement with the Brotherhood, a civil rights group. The narrative delves into themes of identity, power, and the struggle for self-definition in a society that refuses to see him. Through his experiences, the narrator grapples with the complexities of being a black man in America, ultimately leading to a profound exploration of invisibility and the search for one's true self[1][4][5].