Science Images and Colonialism in Equatorial Guinea

Abstract

This article examines the role of science images in Spanish colonialism in Equatorial Guinea, focusing on the period of the Franco dictatorship, and in particular, on drawings, photographs and films produced and disseminated by the Instituto de Estudios Africanos, the film production company Hermic Films, and NO-DO news reels. It analyses the visual representation around colonial scientists and their work. Science images were used to legitimize colonialism. Images of white superiority were deployed to portray Spain as a a benevolent colonial power.