This article presents a selection of five photography books that explore intimate and collective memories as well as rituals from past and present times. The books include ‘Farewell Cape Town,’ which features black-and-white photographs capturing the socio-political landscape of Cape Town, and ‘Jamais je ne t’oublierai’ by Carolle Benitah, which uses family photographs to reflect on the concept of the family myth. Other featured works include ‘Maroc, Un temps suspendu,’ evoking an evocative portrait of Morocco, ‘Elegy for the Mundane,’ a poetic visual journey by Gaël Bonnefon, and Simon Vansteenwinckel’s ‘Platteland,’ depicting surreal, underground scenes in black and white. Read Article

This interview accompanies the release of the photobook Farewell Cape Town by Sophie Bouillon and Benjamin Hoffman. Hoffman lived and photographed in Cape Town for several months, capturing the city’s intense contrasts and exploring the relationship between people and their environment through black and white images taken with a smartphone. Bouillon reflects on her personal connection to South Africa, blending autobiographical writing with voices from local inhabitants to portray the complexity and diversity of Cape Town’s society. The book combines intimate photography with evocative text to present a nuanced perspective on the city’s past and present. Read Article