At Southern Guild in Los Angeles, you can explore Zanele Muholi’s new bronze sculptures and self-portrait series titled Somnyama Ngonyama. Through their artwork, Zanele celebrates the lives of South Africa’s Black LGBTQI communities, challenging stereotypes and stigma around queer identities in African society.
In these portraits Zanele showcases different perspectives by incorporating everyday objects like clothesline pins, bed sheets and even toothpaste and vaseline lipstick.
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The exhibition at Southern Guild is a retrospective of Zanele’s work, highlighting the beauty and resilience of Black queer and trans individuals in South Africa. It is a visual history of resistance and existence in the face of hate crimes, offering a message of hope and positivity.
Meanwhile, at the Tate Modern in London, Zanele’s artwork is also on display. This exhibition features a mix of portraits and sculptures that channel the artist’s identity and experiences from around the world.
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Both exhibitions provide a rare opportunity to witness Zanele’s creativity and activism firsthand. Don’t miss the chance to experience these artworks that challenge norms and celebrate diversity.
The ‘Zanele Muholi’ exhibition at Southern Guild Los Angeles is open until July 13, 2024, and at Tate Modern until January 26, 2025. Visit southernguild.com and tate.org.uk for more information.
