Kitty's Studio, Two men with floral decoration, ca. 1978. Courtesy The Walther Collection
Who I Am: Rediscovered Portraits from Apartheid South Africa
An insight into South Africa during apartheid.
The Walther Collection latest exhibition, Who I Am: Rediscovered Portraits from Apartheid South Africa, is a fresh perspective on life for non-whites during apartheid. The portraits were taken from 1987 to 1984 by photographer Singarum “Kitty” Jeevaruthnam Moodley in ZwaZulu-Natal and give a glimpse into the workings of African society at the time. His studio became a safe space for locals to collaborate with the Indian born photographer. A presentation of self-expression, the subjects wear an array of fashion and accessories, giving a fresh look into the private lives and aspirations of non-white South Africans.
Known for evocative collections, The Walther Collection focuses on curating exhibitions that delve into the history of vernacular photography. Who I Am, follows on from the portraits of Malian photographers Seydou Keïta and Malick Sidibé and will be followed up by future exhibitions exploring urban architecture, criminology and personal identity. Keep track of goings on here.
All images courtesy of The Walther Collection. Photography by S. J. “Kitty” Moodley
The exhibition runs from June 2 — September 3, 2016. The Walter Collection Project Space, 526 West 26th Street, Suite 718. NY, NY.
