South African artist Pieter Hugo speaks about his provocative photography
Interview with South African artist Pieter Hugo by Diane Frankel. Pieter Hugo‘s museum retrospective,This must be the place, which is touring in Europe, is bringing him lots of attention. Hugo was born in Cape Town in 1976 where he resides now. Trained as a photojournalist he now favors portraiture. He chooses to focus his lens on […]
Awesome Tapes from Africa at Lisa Cooley
Sunday, May 20th, the Lisa Cooley gallery saw an unusual sight- cassette tapes. Brooklyn’s Brian Shimkovitz, author of popular blog Awesome Tapes from Africa, brought his collection of rare African tapes from across the continent to the intimate Lower East Side venue. In between mounted pieces by Michael Bauer, Shimkovitz took us on an audio journey across Zimbabwe, […]
British Nigerian Filmmaker Zina Saro-Wiwa embraces her naturally kinky hair. See video
Front page of the NYTtimes: Video of Zina Saro-Wiwa championing Self -Acceptance In the New York Times last Friday, filmmaker Zina Saro-Wiwa presented an op-Doc on black women’s decision to embrace their naturally kinky hair, rather then use chemical straighteners. I think non black women could all use a little return to naturalness in their […]
Interview with South African artist Nandipha Mntambo
Nandipha Mntambo’s hauntingly beautiful sculptures made out of cowhide. Video by Diane Frankel Nandipha Mntambo, born in Swaziland in 1982 and raised in South Africa, is a sculptor who has made cowhide her medium of choice. Her choice is informed on one hand by a childhood dream where she found herself left with a pile […]
The Power of Art in South Africa: Brett Murray’s painting SPEAR defaced
Brett Murray‘s exhibition at the Goodman Gallery in Johannesburg has provoked an intense controversy over the artist’s right to free expression. His painting Spear which portrays President Zuma with his genitals spilling out of his pants was defaced because it was considered too provocative, offensive, and racist by some outraged viewers. A resolution was reached […]
Interview with rising star: South African artist Nicholas Hlobo
Interview with Nicholas Hlobo by Diane Frankel Nicholas Hlobo cuts, tears, punctures and resews varied materials such as paper, black inner tube, satin ribbon, leather, textiles that are rich in associations and creates drawings, sculptural installations and performances where he explores issues of personal identity, such as gender, sexuality, ethnicity, origins and colonial history. […]
Interview with artist Zanele Muholi from South Africa
Interview with South African photographer Zanele Muholi by Diane Frankel. Zanele Muholi, is one of South Africa ‘s foremost artists. She sees herself as a visual activist. She addresses in her work the reality of what is to be lesbian and gay in South Africa where homosexuality is not accepted and where some cultural and […]
Monica Wangu Wamwere: A mother fighting for her son’s freedom
Monica Wangu Wamwere: Unbroken Spirit Through determination, relentless perseverance, faith, and peaceful means Monica Wangu Wamwere prevailed and saw her son, Kenyan human rights activist and political prisoner Koigi wa Wamwere and many other imprisoned in the Kenyan jails released. She participated along with Noble Laureate Wangari Maathai in the 1992’s Mothers’ Hunger Strike. The […]
New series: Interviews of artists from South Africa.
I have been increasingly interested in artistic expressions that are not part of the mainstream and that reflect a different cultural experience, perspective, and history. In great part because I get great pleasure from being in Africa, whether it be Kenya, Mali, Egypt, South Africa to name a few, […]
In Kenya, Tanuja Walli Mends Hearts One Child at a Time
New Series: African Unsung Heroines and Heros. One of the great privileges of going to Africa is the opportunity of meeting some extraordinary local people who work very hard to make a difference and improve the lives of many. They refuse to accept the status quo and try to effect change. They often work […]
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