Zanele Muholi

South African photographer and activist Zanele Muholi brings visibility to black LGBTI communities in her homeland through her camera. Her acclaimed series Faces and Phases, consisting of over 250 striking black-and-white portraits, was begun in 2006, the same year that same-sex marriage was legalized in South Africa. Initially a reaction to the escalation of brutal homophobic hate-crimes, the ongoing series has become a powerful record of the individuals in these persecuted communities. More recently, Muholi has turned her focus inward and worked with self-portraiture, exploring her different selves.

This lecture is presented in conjunction with MassArt's Adderley and Photography Lecture Series. The Adderley Lecture Series recognizes the achievements of distinguished artists, art historians, writers, and social justice advocates from underrepresented groups. Established in 1995 in memory of MassArt student Tyrone Maurice Adderley, the lecture is held twice yearly.