Hello Beautiful Souls,
In celebration of Black History Month this October, I found myself drawn to Tate Modern to see Zanele Muholi’s striking exhibit—a collection that is as deeply moving as it is visually stunning. Muholi’s work is on display until January 26, 2025, and I can’t recommend it enough. Known globally as one of the most important photographers and visual activists of our time, Muholi has dedicated their life’s work to documenting the lives and struggles of South Africa’s Black lesbian, gay, queer, and intersex communities, often at great personal risk.
Muholi describes themself as a “visual activist,” and after experiencing this exhibit, it’s clear why. The images are raw, beautiful, and hauntingly powerful. Each black-and-white photograph is implanted with dignity and resilience, giving voice to individuals whose stories are often silenced or misrepresented. The series reflects profound themes—labour, racism, eurocentrism, and sexual politics—confronting these subjects with such depth that each portrait seems to speak volumes. From intimate moments of love and family to stark depictions of struggle and trauma, Muholi’s work captures the lived reality of marginalized communities with stunning sensitivity.
The experience of walking through Muholi’s work was, to say the least, humbling. Their photography doesn’t just document; it advocates. Every portrait invites you to pause, to listen, and to reflect. You feel the challenges faced by the LGBTQIA+ community in South Africa, where prejudice and violence are still painfully common. But alongside this hardship, there is also immense pride and resilience—an insistence on visibility and recognition that shines through in each photo. Through Muholi’s lens, each person tells their own story, and the collective narrative is one of courage, solidarity, and enduring humanity.
If you find yourself in London before the exhibit closes in January, make time to see Muholi’s work at Tate Modern. It’s an experience that will stay with you, a reminder of the power of art to bridge worlds and to celebrate voices that demand to be heard.
With love,
Miss Widjaja
