Zanele Muholi is set to showcase their work in two solo exhibitions this month. One exhibition will be held at the Moreira Salles Institute in Sao Paulo, Brazil, while the other will take place at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) in Georgia, USA.
The exhibitions will feature a collection of Muholi’s most important works, including the powerful series ‘Faces and Phases’, ‘Somnyama Ngonyama (Hail the Dark Lioness)’, and ‘Brave Beauties’. These series tell stories about the lives and experiences of Black LGBTQ+ individuals. Muholi often uses everyday items in their self-portraits, transforming them into symbols that reflect personal and shared experiences. For example, they might use clothespins or plastic bags to create images that challenge stereotypes and celebrate diversity.
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The exhibition at the Moreira Salles Institute is curated by Daniele Queiroz, Thyago Nogueira, and Ana Vitório. It will also include some never before seen works created in Brazil, giving a fresh look at Muholi’s artistry. The SCAD exhibition, curated by Ben Tollefson, will showcase landmark pieces, including the ongoing series of self-portraits that highlight the beauty and strength of Black queer identities.
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In addition to the exhibitions, Muholi has been honoured as the deFINE ART honouree for 2025. They will give two special lectures following the openings. The first lecture will be on February 26 in Savannah, where Zanele will discuss their work with Phyllis Hollis, a member of the MoMA Black Arts Council. The second lecture will be on February 27 in Atlanta, featuring a conversation with writer and photographer Carla J. Williams, who has also contributed to Muholi’s work.
Both events are free and open to the public, making it an opportunity for those interested in social issues to engage with Muholi’s message. Through their art, Muholi encourages empathy and understanding for the diverse experiences of individuals in our society.
