Mzansi photographers are showcasing thought-provoking shots in New York City as part of two exciting and prestigious displays!
Global (22 October 2024) — From capturing public life through the lens to visuals that restructure narratives surrounding the African Diaspora, photographers around the world are coming together in international spaces to have important visual conversations. Excitingly, Mzansi photographers are a part of these conversations thanks to two exciting showcases in New York City!
The International Centre of Photography (the world’s leading institution when it comes to visual culture) has unveiled ‘We Are Here: Scenes from the Streets’ to New York City. It’s a thought-provoking visual dive that offers an opportunity to reframe our perceptions of street life as experienced from sixteen countries and shot by more than 30 photographers from Mexico to Egypt.
We Are Here offers a series of glimpses into street culture, its various beats, styles and diversity, as well as how these factors have historically shaped communities and eras. From Chinatown in the 90s to a bride on the move in Cairo and New Yorkers clutching their dreams on a zebra crossing, the visuals take us on a journey of humans being human beings over the past 50 years.
From the eyes of South Africa, Mzansi photographers Trevor Stuurman and Nontsikelelo Veleko are part of the We Are Here showcase, which is a prestigious opportunity.
Honing in on Africa across the world is ‘Points of Resonance: Contemporary Photography in Africa’, which features the work of 12 African artists, including South Africa’s Lebohang Kganye and Nonbukho Nqaba, as presented at the African Centre on Fifth Avenue.
The collective of work (co-curated by Heba Farrid and Zein Khalifa) explores cultural transcendence and transformation; confronting themes of identity in a world rife with colonial impact while imagining what the future could look like both in terms of aspirations and challenges in an Africa that has roots all over the world.
Points of Resonance is on until 12 January, while We Are Here is on view until 6 January.
by 