2019 Aug. 14: Our Black Lion

Posted on August 27, 2019 by inkanyiso2009

Greatness is not bought or shared
You are born with it, it’s your God given gift while in your mother’s womb
Greatness is not made or sowed
It is your rightful inheritance from your ancestors that no one can ever take away

You stand head and shoulders above the rest, yet you remain humble and in touch with the soil that groomed you
You stand tall like a lighthouse, your light shining far and wide, blessing everyone that it illuminates

Your artistry can never be emulated, you are a picture perfect of firsts that will never have a last. You can only be imitated, never replicated

Like a lion only a few can compete with you, the only lion whose roars are heard from across the vast oceans, the only lion to climb mountains only dared to by others

Only you dared to prance where others feared; and conquered. The head of the herd, the leader of the pack

Our very own black lion,
Somnyama Ngonyama

Mantsha Khuzwayo is a Durban based emerging writer. A series of unfortunate events led to this new found passion. She is shy yet a great conversationalist, with a great sense of humour and a zest for life. She has written 2 books (self-published) a novel “Chronicles of a Single Lesbian” and a poetry book “The Different Faces of My Life: My Anthology”.

To further hone, master and mould her writing skills she accepted the title of Editor for the online magazine UniqMagazineSA. The magazine had awarded her a recognition for great impact in the LGBTIQ+ community award in 2017. An award she holds close to her heart as it’s her first from the community and for her writing.

In April of 2019 she was invited to the European Lesbian* Conference, held in Kiev, Ukraine. She was part of the creatives’ panel where she got to share her experiences as a lesbian writer in South Africa. She has performed and have been in invited to various stages in South Africa. When she describes her writing to people she says she is a writer that writes for people to relate, for people to find solace, she writes for people to know they are not alone and she writes for life.

Posted in 2018 Somnyama Ngonyama Book Launch @ WISER, Poem, Poetry, Somnyama Ngonyama, Somnyama Ngonyama at Stedelijk Museum, Amsterdam, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Muholi Shareout

Posted on August 27, 2019 by inkanyiso2009

Photo album by Faizal Westcott

Venue: Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum (Living Room)

Location: Boston, MA, USA

Date: June 11 2019

As part of their Artist-In-Residency at Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Prof Muholi facilitated a Shareout and Q&A with community members, most of them members of a youth art program.

Previous posts:

2016 Feb. 18: Muholi talks self-representation at Gallatin School of Individualized Study

2016 Jan. 22 Lyle Ashton Harris talk at Nirox Arts…

2014 Nov. 17: MoMA talk – Photos of the night

Posted in "Scratching the surface", ... with Lerato Dumse, Activism, Activists, Activists Act, Archive, Art Edutainment, Art for Humanity, Art Is A Human Right, Art Solidarity, Art Therapy, Artist Talk, Artists, Artivist, Arts, Arts & Culture, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

2019 Aug. 12: Building towards my career

Posted on August 27, 2019 by inkanyiso2009

by Andile Phewa

Andile Phewa is a name that I believe now melts immediately into the world of Photography. This is  a medium that helps me open a window into my thoughts and concepts for the world to see. It is what I do for a living. It’s taken a lot to get here – pursuing a creative career is no easy feat. Growing up in Durban, where the creative space is quite limited in opportunity, would also prove that difficulty even more.

Most of my family, like my cousins, studied Finance and Engineering, so naturally, it was very difficult for my family to understand why I wanted to be a photographer. I studied Information Technology at the Durban University of Technology, and following that I moved to Johannesburg in pursuit of more freedom, working at ABSA Service Center. Six months later, I realised it wasn’t for me, and decided to tap into the world I’ve always been interested in. I wanted to do something creative, and luckily, I was in Johannesburg – the ultimate creative hub.

When I decided to stop working, I went to study Adobe After Effects at AAA School of Advertising. I completed the course and needed to do more. This struck a conversation on photography that would lead to what I know of my career today.

Prof. Zanele Muholi, to whom I’m related, and I have been in consistent contact since I started studying photography. We’ve shared an amazing bond together through ideas, laughter and good memories. A conversation between us  found her mentioning that I should go study at the Market Photo Workshop, School of Photography, and it happened.

She subsequently paid for my school tuition and equipment during my time at the Market Photo Workshop, and it was fulfilling to see how much she realised my potential in the photography space. To have gone to the lengths she did to help me become a better equipped photographer in my student days is something I’ll always hold close to my heart and career.

When I was doing my last course at the Market Photo, I’d started shooting commercial work, and Prof. Muholi asked me to start paying for my own tuition. At first I didn’t get why she did this, but I later realised that this was an attempt at making me responsible. It was time for me to grow as an individual, and as an artist.

I then moved to Cape Town, where I started shooting more commercial work for fashion houses. I was under a photographic agency but wasn’t happy. I went back to my sounding board , Prof. Muholi, for guidance. “You are already there, Andile. You don’t need the validation of an agency.“ Moved by her words, it was the perfect way to seal what was already the inkling to go out and be the photographer I wanted to be, completely on my own.

I left the agency and fully began my career as a freelancer. Prof. Muholi has been there, continuing to cultivate my career with me as she had been the years before this, and I’ve decided to delve into the world of directing short fashion films as my new venture. I’ve been through various journeys, and finally starting to build towards the career I’d always wanted all those years ago, growing up in Durban.

Previous Posts:

https://inkanyiso.org/2015/12/05/2015-nov-21-the-story-of-my-life-from-what-i-can-remember/
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

2019 August 10: A thrilling weekend for PE Faces

Posted on August 23, 2019 by inkanyiso2009

By Mpimo Ngoveni

We all couldn’t contain our excitement as the countdown to Faces and Phases 13 exhibition began, reality kicked in the moment we finally hit the road en route to Johannesburg where the exhibition was set to take place at the Stevenson Art Gallery on Saturday the 20th of July. The entire journey was exhilarating as we chanted and danced all the way to the city of Gold, and we formed solid bonds in a split second like we’ve known each other for ages.

Upon arrival at the Reef Hotel in Johannesburg, we were received by Terra Dick, a Faces and Phases participant and a colleague of Prof Zanele Muholi who is a prominent visual activist and the founder of Faces and Phases. Prof had just celebrated their birthday on the 19thof July, the day prior to the exhibition and thought they would celebrate it in style by hosting a joint celebratory event for their birthday and Faces and Phases 13.

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The event saw multitudes of LGBTQI+ and straight people from various parts of the country coming in to commemorate a legend. Not only for this sole purpose but also having the LGBTQI+ community coming together in unity, establishing new genuine relationships, sharing life experiences and allowing every member of the community an opportunity to be in a space where they are surrounded by their own kind.

Saturday the 20th was the big day and people came in their numbers. The Stevenson Gallery was packed to capacity full of gorgeous and charismatic faces from different walks of life, among others were public figures such as TKay Kaula, an actor, Sizakele Phohleli also known as her-mentality, an author, Buhle from the soil and Yaya Mavundla, a trans activist.

To begin with, we were graced with performances by very talented young black performers in the form of drama, poetry and singing while others would indulge and feast their eyes on the beauty of the exceptional artwork on display in the gallery, portraits of black heroic South Africa lesbians aimed at creating a visual history of black lesbian lives.

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Thereafter, Prof Muholi gave a very profound speech encouraging everyone to work hard to establish themselves and also aim for greater heights, not only to take pride in their queerness but also be active members of the society bringing about positive change in their lives and the lives of those around them. The speech was very packed and insightful and there’s a lot you could take away from it.

Furthermore, Muholi went on to acknowledged all those who made it possible for Faces and Phases to be a reality today, the participants, and the team who worked tirelessly to ensure that the event is a success, also recognizing all those who stood by them during their dark days and those who contributed towards their establishment.

To sum it up, it was an experience of a lifetime, we made memories and shared moments that could never be traded for anything in the world.

Mpimo Ngoveni Bio (22)

Mpimo Kalman Ngoveni was born on the 6thof July 1997 at Khensani hospital in Giyani Limpopo and is the fourth and last child of Dora Ntebane and Joseph Ngoveni. Ngoveni spent most of her childhood days in Giyani where she began her foundation phase education at Vurhonga primary school and then went on to commence her high schooling in Pretoria at Tshwane Secondary school but later on Matriculated at Giyani High school with recognition of outstanding achievement in Life sciences and Mathematics.

Ngoveni then enrolled at Nelson Mandela University, formerly known as Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry. In her spare time, Ngoveni volunteers to help grade 12 learners around Eastern Cape to apply for university admission, funding and also help them with their course work in cooperation with NGOs such as Sakhikamva and Vision4Women to name a few. She also works part-time as a tutor specializing in subjects like Mathematics, Life sciences and Physical sciences. In 2016, Ngoveni worked for a tech company called Code4CT as a facilitator, teaching grade 10 girls in Cape town how to code using programming languages such as HTML and CSS.

Related Posts:

2014 Dec. 13: Faces and Phases invokes memories

2019 July 30: When Faces Meet

2016 Sept. 15: A decade of Faces and Phases

2016 April 27: Re/Uniting with Faces and Phases participants on Freedom Day

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

2019 August 10: The dawn of a new era for Terra Dick

Posted on August 20, 2019 by inkanyiso2009

Text By Lindiwe Dhlamini

Photos by Andile Phewa

 

The 9thof August is one of the most important days in history; a day to commemorate women, the day is often filled with festivities and events in honor of the women who have fought for our liberation and those who continue to fight. On this day in 2019 Thembela “Terra” Dick was one of the people who made the day worth honoring with the opening of their first solo exhibition titled; THEMBELA. The show is produced by Muholi Productions and curated by Bajabulile Dhlamini in collaboration with ORMS Creative Space. The opening of THEMBELA was an honor of the fallen, a celebration of those who are still alive and a personal story of Terra Dick. A story only images can tell better than words and the images on show are telling that story better than any words could. For those who missed the opening, the show is opened until the 29 August 2019 at 56 Roeland Street,Cape Town.

 

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From L-R: Leptie Phume, Lindiwe Dhlamini, Thembela ‘Terra’ Dick and Babalwa Tyabashe

 

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Terra is a filmmaker and photographer who has been working tirelessly to find creative ways of telling their life story. Using various themes for this show; Pride, Loss, Protest and Self with an addition of Abstract where the journey begins with images that make you question the motive yet interest you to follow through with the story. As an artist; Terra has been through a lot of difficulties which were further exaggerated by their sexuality as a Black lesbian growing up in South Africa. When Terra was 16 years old, they were kicked out of home for being a lesbian forcing them to drop out of school at grade 11 to find ways to navigate and survive the world. Through hard work and dedication Terra has since went back to school and acquired multiple qualifications in filmmaking and photography. This was through the inspiration of Jo Menell and Richard Mills who were the first people who taught Terra how to use a camera while working to complete her late sister’s documentary as a young woman living with HIV/AIDS.

Terra eventually found the courage and a way to tell their own story using images and with the help of Professor/Sir Zanele Muholi who has been mentoring Terra’s photographical journey for over a decade now. The exhibition opening was a success despite a few glitches in the planning and execution of the show which is to be expected in a show that was planned in two weeks but, it turned out successfully. The hard work put in by the curator, Sancia Cilliers; a Print Consultant at ORMS and Terra Dick alongside others turned out wonderfully. There were some images printed on banners and two of the three banners have since been stolen as they were used as outside displays for the show.

The layout inside the gallery has since been moved around since the opening to ensure the coherence of the story when Terra is doing walkabouts. There have been more than 6 walkabouts done thus far and these include students, artists, general citizens and photography lecturers from University of Cape Town, ORMS School of Photography, Varsity College, College of Cape Town and so forth. Most of these lecturers have asked to bring their students to see the show. This has been an amazing response to Terra’s work which proves that your story is yours to tell because you tell it best. Social media and word of mouth have been the most powerful ways the show gained traction from outsiders and this has given Terra the opportunity to share their work with more people.

The positive comments from those who attended the opening were a further indication of the power and healing to anyone who engaged with Terra’s work. Brave became the word used by most which was exactly how this body of work confronts the viewers eye. Powerful, honest, bare, strong, healing, inspirational and brilliant were some of the words used by the attendees at the opening. Personally, I think the work is the beginning of a new era for Terra who has broken boundaries to be where they are today as a lesbian identifying artist in a field dominated by heterosexual men. Terra has and continues to teach us that where you come from does not matter it is where you are going that matters and for Terra higher and higher is where their journey goes.

 

Related links

 

Faces and Phases turns teen

 

and

 

2015 April 20: My best experience in New York

 

and

 

2013 July 15: The virus has become a silent relative

 

 

 

 

Posted in Photos by Andile Phewa, Solo exhibition by Terra Dick, Text by Lindiwe Dhlamini, Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Muholi and Qampi collaborate on Limise exhibition.

Posted on August 6, 2019 by inkanyiso2009

Frankfurt/Main, Germany – Sakhile&Me Gallery presents “Limise” – a selection of photographs by South African visual activist Zanele Muholi and photographer Lindeka Qampi. The exhibition pays homage to the 63rd anniversary of the iconic 1956 Women’s March during Apartheid South Africa and will run from August 8 until September 7, 2019. The exhibition is guest-curated by compatriot Lerato Dumse who has collaborated with the duo since 2013.

“Limise” shows a series of iconic high-contrasted black-and-white self-portrait photographs by Prof. Zanele Muholi from the award winning “Somnyama Ngonyama” series and color self- portrait photographs by fellow long-time activist and ally Lindeka Qampi. The duo-exhibition comes at a crucial moment in both their careers as 2019 marks South Africa’s 25th year of independence and the show highlights their long-standing contributions as human rights advocates and dedicated members of South Africa’s photography community.

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MuMu, London, 2019 © Zanele Muholi 

“Limise“ is an isiXhosa word, meaning “to build”. The two photographers’ work side-by-side in “Limise” culminates in a timely and intimate appreciation of their contributions for more than a decade to the history of South Africa’s photography and contemporary art. In her body of work, Muholi tackles issues of race and gender specifically: “My aim is to produce 365 self-portraits to represent each day of the year because I live as a black person 365 days in a year”. Qampi’s series touches on the universal topic of sexual violence. She too approaches the topic from an insider’s perspective, exposing, confronting, and rising above traumatic personal experiences from her childhood. She employs metaphorical re-enactments to raise awareness while administering healing for herself. In “Limise”, both photographers speak to and remember their relationships with their mothers, their community work, and the power of telling stories through photography.

Since 2002, Prof. Muholi has been best known for advocacy work supporting the rights of LGBTQI communities in South Africa, training a younger generation of photographers and building an archive of testimonials for and with the LGBTQI community, using photography as a tool to document and tell their stories. As part of the “Somnyama Ngonyama” series, Muholi denounces social injustice and racism.

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Blanket Worms © Lindeka Qampi

Qampi started doing photography in 2006 at Iliso Labantu (“the eye of the people”), aphotographers collective, spending the first decade of her photography career focusing ondaily township life. Lindeka Qampi’s photography also developed from her human rights work, especially focusing on anti-xenophobia, anti-sexism, and anti-homophobia. Qampi develops a series of color self-portraits that collectively tell an interconnected narrative. In “Limise”, both Muholi and Qampi develop on their past work taking portraits of friends and close associates and turn to face the lens.

Zanele Muholi was born in Umlazi (South Africa). In 2002, Muholi co-founded the Forum for Empowerment of Women (FEW). In 2009, Muholi was awarded their Master of Fine Arts degree from Ryerson University in Toronto and founded the INKANYISO collective in the same year. Muholi has exhibited at institutions such as the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, the Studio Museum in Harlem, the Brooklyn Museum, the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam, and the Zeitz MOCAA in Cape Town. Muholi’s work is currently on display at the Central Pavilion of the Venice Biennale, with the traveling exhibition “Somnyama Ngonyama” recently opening at the Seattle Art Museum in July 2019. Muholi is also an Honorary Professor at the University of the Arts/Hochschule der Künste Bremen and has won numerous awards, including Book of the Year for “Somnyama Ngonyama” during the prestigious Kraszna-Krausz Awards (2019), Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres from French Embassy (2017), and the Prince Claus Foundation Laureate (2013). Muholi was also shortlisted for the Deutsche Börse Photography Prize (2015).

Lindeka Qampi was born in 1969 in Bolotwa (South Africa) and her work is part of collections in the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and the University of Cape Town. Her awards include the Mbokodo Award (2015) in the category “Creative Photographer” and the Brave Award (2016) with Muholi, acknowledging their outreach work.

Posted in Collaborations, Exhibition opening, Exhibitions, Germany, Lindeka Qampi and Zanele Muholi, My name is Zanele Muholi, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

2019 July 30: When Faces Meet

Posted on August 6, 2019 by inkanyiso2009

by Mercury Duma

A day of triumph and celebration was held at the Stevenson Art Gallery in Parktown North, Johannesburg on the 20th of July 2019.

Rainbow colours covered the the fence leading up to the exhibition. Different outfits, different personalities and different individuals from all walks of life brought together to rejoice and celebrate the 13th instalment of Faces and Phases.

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Cold weather took centre stage during the proceedings of the day. Though there was sunlight brightening up the day but the warmth of it provided a brief relief during the day. This didn’t deter people from coming out in their numbers. The weather was also a symbol of the cold struggles queer people face everyday because of their sexuality and gender identity.

With each hour passing more and more people flocked into the gallery excited to see the black and white portraits in the gallery. This is no ordinary exhibition as it serves a raw and distinctive measure to create more black queer visibility. The portraits were taken by Professor Zanele Muholi, portraits with an in-depth look at black queer people across South Africa.

The Faces and Phases participants captured are either lesbian, transgender men and women and gender non-conforming individuals. Smiles and excitement filled the room with each participant seeing their portrait on the wall. You could tell how much it meant for them to have their portraits in the exhibition.

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Noluthando Mbuyisa captured by Nonkululeko Dube.

For some of the participants seeing their portraits in the exhibition triggered them to have a moment of reflection of how far they have come, the trials and tribulations they have gone through.

I had the pleasure of speaking to Cecil and Derek Schrier from San Francisco, United States of America during the exhibition viewing. They spoke highly about the work of Professor Zanele Muholi. “ We have two images which my husband has bought from Zanele, we really love her work.” Said Cecil Schrier.

The exhibition was graced with various performers each leaving a piece of themselves on stage to signify the love and celebratory mood the exhibition held throughout the day. It is without a doubt how much talent LGBTIA+ individuals are.

When Professor Zanele Muholi went on stage to deliver a key note address, she started with one of her signature songs that resonate with every LGBTIA+ individuals zizojika izinto meaning things will turn around in time but for now we shall continue the fight for equality.

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In her address she thanked everyone for coming to the exhibition and celebrating this memorial day, which is significant in the queer community. She gave a special thanks to all the Faces and Phases 13 participants and lastly thanked the Stevenson Art Gallery for opening doors to hold the exhibition.

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A moment of silence was observed for all the hardships queer individuals have gone through in their lives. Muholi also urged everyone to work hard, respect each other and fend for themselves.

Before finishing the address Muholi reassured everyone that the Faces and Phases series is continuing and more and more participants are going to be part of the series. She said in her final words “today we are making history.” As the day descendent to an end , it was evident to everyone that history has been made and the work of black queer visibility is well ahead of time.

 

Posted in A decade of Faces and Phases, Faces and Phases 10, Faces and Phases 13, Faces and Phases 2006 - 2016, faces and phases exhibition, Faces and Phases participant, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

2019 July 30: Our history will not be forgotten.

Posted on August 6, 2019 by inkanyiso2009

by Tinashe Wakapila

A journey that started with a face and a camera has evolved to phases of queer beings leaving a forest of family trees of the LBTI+ COMMUNITY. Positive Narratives of Queer beings centuries ago was nowhere to be found. If it was found it would be open for all sorts of negativity and wrongful ideologies behind it. It was more of a subjective topic. Leading the whole idea of a simple thing as a different sexuality to the other being something that people have to fight for to be accepted. That is why the great Prof. Sir Zanele Muholi saw it fit that we may be a part of this journey participating in the project named Faces and Phases.

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A modern day documentary through photography (portraits to be specific), which is an important method of recording history, sharing emotional truths, and often inspiring change and kick starting dialogues with regards to an appropriate and enlightened narrative about LBT+ persons. This has become for me in my own opinion a book of reference with accurate interpretation of Black Queer Folks without no miscommunicated or misunderstood information. This documentary has fundamental brinks of empowering minority groups of people that have been marginalized for centuries.

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‘I started this project in 2006’, Muholi mentioned and continued to say, “those I shoot from there will be 13 years older from that project, meaning the years have already started to pile upon this positive project and maturing it into an archive’ … images contain a great big deal rich or wealthy life story telling which may be used effectively in historical research. Also it could help lobby many gender and sexuality issues. For example, there is no one who will deny the existence of black Queer individuals coming in all shape form size or belief system when the images are speaking for themselves the existences… The potential uses of photographs as primary sources for inquiry are not limited to professional historians, but may be taught too, and used by students and upcoming generations for their own informative know of mankind and their diversities.

20th of July was a day not to be missed as this was the day of proclaiming and acclaiming the greatest through photography. Historian and custodian of today’s Queer human beings stories. This day marks how important it is mingling with people from all walks of life. Performances were executed and they had many meaningful life lessons in a metaphoric manner. The talent that was showcased through dance poetry prayer and singing was rare sapient. It defined that the humans on those walls and in those portraits have a life and careers they are pursuing besides being queer, making tthen nothing less or more than any mankind. There is nothing important than having a place to display your talent and capabilities of entertainment. Faces and Phases 13 celebration creates jobs and gigs for a lot of artists who owned the space as it is at most rare to just get an opportunity anywhere. This project/documentary is not only for activism and advocating for the lives of Queer beings but is also a time in moment many can show their abilities.

This is what makes photography one of the most important methods of documentation, both historically and in the present day. In wrapping up, a piece of all the work also compiled as digital photography in the gallery was an eye opening intelligence that our history will not be forgotten as the world unfolds.

Previous posts by Tinashe:

2017 June 24: Humanity reigns in our society

2016 June 10: Contains Explicit content for good knowledge Aluta Continua

2015 Dec. 27: Qhawekazi Elihle (Memoir)

 

 

 

Posted in A decade of Faces and Phases, Article by Tinashe Wakapila, Black Queer Professionals, Faces and Phases (2006 - 2014), Faces and Phases 10, Faces and Phases 13, Faces and Phases book launch, Faces and Phases book launch in New York, faces and phases exhibition, Faces and Phases participant, Faces and Phases participants, Faces and Phases project, Lesbian Professionals, Prof/Sir Zanele Muholi, Professional black lesbians in South Africa, Professionals, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

2017 July 29: 7 years of writing Pieces of Expressions.

Posted on August 6, 2019 by inkanyiso2009

by Nonkululeko Dube

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On the 27th of July 2019 at AGOG Gallery in Johannesburg, Lebo Diverse launched a book titled PIECES OF EXPRESSIONS in the name of art-create. The book was published under Seven27 project that is an artist hub that grooms and document a collective of artists. I am nervous for them wondering if people are going to come through for the book launch and at the very same time, I am superbly excited for Lebo. We have a new baby created in the family. Lebo Diverse says it has been 7 years of writing and Pieces of expressions comprises 27 poems from that 7 years of writing and 30 years of life experiences.

Seven27 project was celebrating its 3rd annual celebration, since it was founded on the 27th of July in 2017 and since then it has two sub-projects under it, Pieces of Expressions is the 3rd sub-project. The first project was theatrical performance in Kwa-Thema based on conflicts and conversations of 27- year olds. Then the second one is Exclusive Publication that has not been launched yet.

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Musician Sliq Angel was one of the performing artists at the launch, before his performance he emphasised on black people supporting each other and expressed his gratitude towards Lebo Diverse publishing their book. Prof Zanele Muholi graced the book launch with their presence and they bought 25 books in the name of celebrating 25 years of democracy in South Africa. Then Lebo Diverse added 2 books in those bought by Prof Muholi to make them 27 in the name of seven27 project. Muholi also emphasised on supporting Artists and paying Artist fee. The crowd was enjoying the music and live performances of poets including Saint, Zodaic and musicians Sliq Angel, MJ and Naledi. Not forgetting the MC Pablo with his hilarious jokes.

“It is not everyday that people publishing books are people that we come into contact with, we have never thought it could be us. Now having authors Like Lebo says to me, it is possible black child,” says Wakhe Sebenza who was also attending the book launch. The highlight of the launch was the collaboration of poetry by Lebo and dance performance by Kwagala Stellah-Marie from Uganda, who took off her clothes and the crowd was blown away by the performance. You could hear the screams of excitement afterwards.

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Previous by Nonkululeko:

2019 June 13: Using soccer and Pool to change lives

Posted in Article by Lebo Mashifane, Black Queer Professionals, Book launch, Book launches, by Lebo Mashifane, Faces and Phases, Faces and Phases (2006 - 2014) book review, Faces and Phases 10, Faces and Phases 13, Lebo Mashifane, Lebogang Mashifane, Lesbian Professionals, Nonkululeko Dube, Poem by Lebo Mashifane, Poetry, Prof/Sir Zanele Muholi, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Faces and Phases turns teen

Posted on August 2, 2019 by inkanyiso2009

by: Lindiwe Dhlamini

Professor/Sir Zanele Muholi’s longstanding photographic project known as; Faces and Phases (F&P)celebrates thirteen years in existence. Some of the faces have faded with the phases and some of those still alive were in attendance. On the 19th of July Muholi celebrated their birthday as the installations were taking place for what was termed ‘mini LGBTIAQ+ Pride’ taking place on the 20thJuly 2019 in Parktown North, Johannesburg at the Stevenson Gallery.

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Friends, collaborators and family pose for a photo after watching the Lion King movie in celebration of Muholi’s birthday © Thembela Dick

Faces and Phases is renowned for the documentation of Black African lesbians and transgender men and woman from various countries. The images have been exhibited in over 40 countries since its inception. In 2014, a second book was published as a literary archive to preserve a rich part of our history that is often ignored or recognized when attacked, bullied and ridiculed. Thus, F&P is a very important historical archive for future generations to know, see and read about these faces and the phases in their lives.

Inkanyiso crew organized for the participants to be in attendance, people from Eastern Cape, Durban, Cape Town, Gauteng and other parts of the world graced the place with their presence. It was lovely to see people taking selfies next to their images displayed on the wall, for some of them it was their first time as F&P participants. People looked free, happy and filled with pride which was my highlight of the day. The performances that took place were amazing and as Muholi took the stage to give a speech, they did not spare us their comedic side.

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Annalyzer next to her portrait is one of the participants who gave a stunning performance © Nonkululeko Dube

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Andiswa Dlami (left) another Faces and Phases participant with fellow Dj on the day Ellen Chilemba ©Nonkululeko Dube

The day before the event I had the pleasure of interviewing some of the participants to check which phases in their lives they were in and how has it been since their images were first taken. I cannot emphasize how proud it made me to learn that education and acquiring qualifications has been a phase they have passed or are currently in. It is important to celebrate LGBTIAQ+ success because mainstream media airs the broken, raped and murdered phases of our stories and very seldom our victories and achievements.

Speaking and meeting some of the faces only I had seen in the book and written about in my academic papers really warmed my heart. Hearing some of their stories and seeing them rejoice gave me hope that maybe things really do get better with time. People looked beautiful, their outfits and hair were on point you can tell it was a very well planned affair. Inkanyiso and Stevenson Gallery teams have worked tirelessly for the success of the event and the results were outstanding. Everything was well taken care of from the wonderfully curated and installed show to the great tasting food and refreshments provided.

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Inkanyiso Team members Tinashe Wakapila (left) and Thembela Dick worked hard in the media department © Nonkululeko Dube

It was a bit of a nightmare to find parking space since the gallery is situated in a very busy road and we had to park there but, the care and security was reassuring. There were mini bus taxis organized to make sure people returned home safe and for those who were from outside of Gauteng province hotels and guest houses were secured. For some of the people it was their first time in Johannesburg and you could see and feel the excitement and I hope they enjoyed themselves. The festivities of the day ended with a few after parties in Maboneng, Braamfontein and Melville while others chose to chill at the hotel.

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New Faces and Phases participants from Port Elizabeth traveled with their partners to see themselves ©Bathini Dambuza

Once again Prof/Sir Muholi had outdone themselves with a beautiful show and while it was Muholi’s birthday weekend they chose to spend it with people. A leader who acknowledges that umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu and practices that philosophy selflessly. The show is opened till 30 August 2019 and I encourage people to go and see it, it really will make you appreciate the beauty of our people on the walls a view I wish to see for years to come.

Related Articles:

2016 Sept. 15: A decade of Faces and Phases

2016 April 27: Re/Uniting with Faces and Phases participants on Freedom Day

2016 April 2: Faces and Phases follow-ups

 

 

Posted in 'We live in fear' by Zanele Muholi & HRW, A decade of Faces and Phases, Baitiri Lumka Seleka; Charmain Carrol; Kopano Sibeko; Maureen Velile Majola; Lesego Tlhwale; Lerato Dumse; Nation Mokoena; Nqobile Zungu; Rene Mathibe; Zanele Muholi, Bathini from Faces and Phases, Beautiful faces, Eight years of photographing Faces and Phases, Faces & Phases portraits, Faces and Phases, Faces and Phases (2006 - 2014), Faces and Phases (2006 - 2014) book launch..., Faces and Phases 13, Faces and Phases book launch in New York, faces and phases exhibition, Faces and Phases participant, Faces and Phases project, Lindeka Qampi and Zanele Muholi, Uncategorized, When Faces meet, When Faces Meet and Travel | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments