Presented by Autograph ABP in partnership with The Glasgow School of Art, South African visual activist Zanele Muholi (b. 1972) confronts the politics of race and representation in the visual archive in her ongoing self-portrait series Somnyama Ngonyama.
Taken primarily in Europe, North America and Africa between 2014 and 2016, each portrait in Somnyama Ngonyama - isiZulu for Hail the Dark Lioness - poses critical questions about social justice, human rights and contested representations of the black body. Muholi's self-reflective, and psychologically charged portraits are unapologetic in their artistry as she explores different archetypes / personae and offers visual reflections inspired by personal experiences and socio-political events. Gazing defiantly at the camera, Muholi continually challenges the viewer's perceptions while firmly asserting [her] cultural identity on her own terms.
Reid Gallery
Glasgow School of Art
167 Renfrew St
Glasgow
G3 6RQ
