The Market Photo Workshop in Newton is known for showcasing the work of talented South African photographers. A new exhibition called “Reflections: on Black girlhood,” curated by Danielle Bowler, explores what it means to grow up as a Black girl. The exhibition allows one to think about the experiences of Black girls, emphasizing moments of joy, creativity, and innocence while also acknowledging the challenges they face.
One of the highlights of the exhibition is a photo by Ruth Motau, which was taken in 1992, showing dancers from the Meadowlands Dance Group. This image is paired with a more recent photo from 2023, capturing a similar group in motion. Together, these photos highlight the beauty and freedom of Black girlhood, even though many years separate them.
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The exhibition also stems from a Zoom course called “Sighting Black Girlhood,” created through collaboration between the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Johannesburg. This course aimed to explore the varied experiences of Black girls across South Africa, the USA, and the Caribbean, reflecting a mix of cultures and perspectives.
In “Reflections,” the focus is specifically on girlhood rather than womanhood, allowing young Black girls to embrace their identities and experiences without being judged. Bowler references important Black feminist thinkers like Ntozake Shange and bell hooks, who contribute to the deeper understanding of girlhood.
One of the most engaging pieces in the exhibition is Thenjiwe Niki Nkosi’s “Spring Floor VI.” This artwork features a springboard that allowing visitors to participate in the experience of a gymnast. A sign encourages everyone to jump, walk, or simply enjoy the moment while listening to a looped soundtrack of applause and commentary, creating a fun and lively atmosphere.
Another artist, Lebogang Tlhako, presents photographic collages where Black girls dress up in borrowed clothes and accessories, showcasing their confidence and self-expression. Tlhako connects her work to the legacy of African photography that started in the 1960s, but she emphasizes the importance of women’s agency in her art, drawing on inspiration from the image-making traditions of her ancestors.
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In Bowler’s words, the artists’ work is described as “the refracted mirror,” reflecting a new style of portraiture that is abstract and poetic. Haneem Christian captures the essence of connection in their photographs, showcasing themes of family and identity that resonate deeply with their subjects.
The exhibition also features video works, such as Nkosi’s “Suspension,” which presents the nervous excitement of gymnasts just before they compete. In contrast, Ruth Motau’s “A Day in the Life” shows the simple, everyday moments of Black life at home.
At the exhibition, Nono presents “Ledombolo For One,” a video that captures the sweet and playful banter between a mother and daughter as they explore the meaning of love through cooking. Alongside this, Nono’s digital collages, which creatively cover family portraits in bright colors, invite viewers to see the joy and layers within those relationships.