Zanele Muholi: Somnyama Ngonyama: Hail the Dark Lioness

Zanele Muholi's Somnyama Ngonyama, Hail the Dark Lioness is a powerful visual activist's self-portraits that reflect her journey, explore her own image, and respond to contemporary and historical rascisms. It encourages people to occupy spaces, create without fear, and use artistic tools to fight back.

Format: Hardback
Length: 212 pages
Publication date: 28 June 2018
Publisher: Aperture

Zanele Muholi: Somnyama Ngonyama, Hail the Dark Lioness, is a captivating and thought-provoking exhibition that features one hundred self-portraits created by one of the most influential visual activists of our time. In each of these images, Muholi skillfully drafts material props from her immediate environment, employing them as a means to reflect on her journey, explore her own image, and contemplate the possibilities as a black woman in today's global society. Moreover, her work serves as a powerful response to contemporary and historical forms of racism. As Muholi herself asserts, her goal is to inspire individuals to be bold and courageous, to occupy spaces, and to create without fear of being vilified. She aims to educate people about our history, challenge prevailing narratives, reclaim our history for ourselves, and empower individuals to use artistic tools, such as cameras, as weapons to fight back.

More than twenty curators, poets, and authors contribute written pieces that delve into the layers of meaning and offer diverse interpretations of select images. This collection is not only an autobiographical artistic statement but also a manifesto of resistance. It captivates viewers with its powerful and arresting imagery, leaving a lasting impact on their minds and hearts.

Zanele Muholi's Somnyama Ngonyama, Hail the Dark Lioness, is a testament to her unwavering commitment to using art as a tool for social change and empowerment. Through her self-portraits and her powerful messages, she continues to inspire and challenge us to think critically about our past, present, and future. This exhibition is a must-see for anyone interested in exploring the intersection of art, activism, and social justice.

Weight: 1766g
Dimension: 350 x 271 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781597114240