Articles

Zanele Muholi’s photo series Somnyama Ngonyama challenges viewers to rethink identity and surroundings through powerful self-portraits. Using everyday objects as props, the series explores the fluidity of self and the impact of perspective, especially in times of upheaval. Muholi’s images disrupt conventional consumption of portraits by placing themselves both as subject and author, inviting reflection on transformation and ethics of representation. The exhibition runs at Tate Modern until January 2025 and is supported by various international institutions and foundations. Read Article

The Tate Modern hosted the first major UK mid-career survey of South African visual activist Zanele Muholi, whose photography and film work documents and celebrates Black LGBTQIA+ lives. Muholi’s art challenges historical narratives and highlights the realities of hate crimes against queer communities in South Africa. Through intimate portraits and personal engagement, Muholi empowers those often marginalized, using visual activism as a tool for social justice. The exhibition includes key series like Only Half the Picture and Being, which explore survivor stories and intimate moments within the Black queer community. Muholi's work advocates equality and visibility amid ongoing discrimination. Read Article

Zanele Muholi’s exhibition at Tate Modern, reopened after the pandemic closure with new additions, presents a powerful exploration of Black queer life in South Africa through striking photographs and bronze sculptures. Muholi’s photographic work, especially the portrait series such as Faces and Phases and Somnyama Ngonyama, reveal intimate, defiant, and vulnerable moments with technical mastery and emotional depth. Though the bronze sculptures are bold, they are less impactful compared to the photographs. The show ultimately stands as one of the most significant contemporary self-portrait exercises, rich in cultural and political context. Read Article

Zanele Muholi is a visual activist from South Africa who uses photography and video to document black LGBTQIA+ communities, with a focus on portraiture. Their work highlights issues of identity, racism, and visibility, aiming to provide representation and empowerment for marginalized groups. Key projects include 'Somnyama Ngonyama,' which reflects on ancestry and personal pain, and 'Faces and Phases,' a series of black-and-white portraits of lesbian, bisexual, trans, and gender-nonconforming individuals. Muholi's photography challenges dominant narratives and fosters a sense of community and belonging through visual storytelling. Read Article