This exhibition explores the practice of five artists working in South Africa, Mozambique and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Encompassing social documentary, intimate portraits, still life and ethereal landscapes, their works offer vivid insights into some of the key narratives shaping African photography today.
Amilton Neves (b. 1988, Mozambique) is a photographer based in Maputo, Mozambique and Tampa, Florida, who examines contemporary societal issues using storytelling and documentary. His series ‘All that Glitters is not Gold’ documents the afterlife of Mozambique’s Grand Hotel, an iconic Art Deco complex.
Anke Loots (b. 1991, South Africa) grew up in Pretoria, South Africa. From street photography to portraiture, her work explores the people and landscapes she encounters on her travels around the world. The resulting images reflect on the impermanence of human existence, often in intimate, surrealist and meditative ways.
Léonard Pongo (b. 1988, Belgium) is based between Brussels, Belgium and Kinshasa, DRC. His journey arose from a need to see the DRC from a different point of view than the often-depicted crises. His series ‘Primordial Earth’ explores the diversity of landscapes in the DRC, through allegorical representations of the country.
Mário Macilau (b. 1984, Mozambique), is a self-taught photographer whose work focuses on intimate portraits of marginalised communities, their reality and environment. His series ‘Faith’ addresses animist practices in contemporary Mozambique whilst 'Growing in Darkness' delves into the social fabric of Maputo through local street children.
Nonzuzo Gxekwa (b. 1981, South Africa) is a Johannesburg-based photographer. Whether it is through street photography or in the studio, her work explores the human condition in subtle and beautiful ways, often seeking to revisit and reinterpret traditional ways of dressing and presenting oneself to the world.
These artists are part of new initiative, The Photographic Collective, a not-for-profit enterprise which aims to bring visibility to artists living and working in Africa, especially those without gallery representation.
Curated by Julie Bonzon (Dr) in collaboration with the Print Sales Gallery.
All works are available for purchase. Please enquire with the Print Sales team for further information: printsales@tpg.org.uk
View catalogues of further works by each photographer: Amilton Neves, Anke Loots, Léonard Pongo, Mário Macilau, Nonzuzo Gxekwa