Zanele Muholi (they/them) is a South African visual activist whose work tells the stories of Black LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Agender, Asexual) lives in South Africa and beyond. Through photography, they raise awareness of injustices and create positive visual histories for under- and mis-represented communities. Muholi also turns the camera on themself, making self-portraits that address the politics of race and the power of the Black gaze. This exhibition charts Muholi’s work from their emergence as an activist in the early 2000s to the present day.

Born in 1972, Muholi grew up during the apartheid regime, a political and social system of racial segregation underpinned by white minority rule. This regime also upheld injustice and discrimination based on gender and sexuality. Apartheid was officially abolished in 1994. Although South Africa’s 1996 constitution was the first in the world to outlaw discrimination based on sexual orientation, the LGBTQIA+ community remains a target for prejudice, hate crimes and violence.

Through their work, Muholi speaks to injustice and advocates for change, while also celebrating moments of love and joy. In these images, they reveal the power of togetherness and healing which lies at the heart of their community. Since 2020, Muholi has expanded their portraiture practice into sculpture, reckoning with the relationship between public and private spheres. Several of their new bronze sculptures feature throughout this exhibition.