(Pic: Durban Centre
for Photography)
Where is Durban, today? Who is Durban, today?
Where is Durban, today? Who is Durban, today?
Opening at the KZNSA Gallery on March 30 will be Ngale: Seeing Beyond.
The Ngale project is funded by eThekwini Parks, Recreation
and Culture and is realized by photographers of the Durban Centre for
Photography (DCP) on behalf of the KZNSA. The project has grown out DCP’s
interaction with dynamic, contemporary African urbanity.
The concept of ‘Ngale’ explores aesthetic possibilities of
seeing beyond; the ordinary, the unobserved - questioning realities and
catalyzing a new understanding of Durban, shifting outmoded perceptions, an
interrogation, a search of what could be.
This visual consciousness, in tandem with progressive
movements, finds a vision and perspective of the African continent that erodes
previous debilitating images. Here, the photographer and subject are on the
same (young?) plane - in the image and a blurring of the lens and subject
space. The photograph becomes a portrait of a contemporary South Africa.
One of the DCP’s objectives is to synergize the relationship
between art and urbanity at a level of municipal influence. The DCP seeks to
visualize a ‘hidden Durban’ through its latest work; Ngale.
The first steps of the project undertook extensive workshops
to determine the widest possible scope of work, and also consulted project
stakeholders to refine an eclectic view of eThekwini. Over a period of three
months, a group of 12 photographers explored youth development initiatives,
community outreach programmes, cultural and religious practices, agriculture
and socio-economic hubs, amongst others.
Photographers include Sam Mukanya; Llungelo Llewelyn Junior
Makhanya; Sinenhlanhla Sandisiwe Nzungane; Mandisa Buthelezi; Busani Gcabashe; Simanga
Konstant Zondo; Sibusiso Shaka Ngcobo; Olga von Eck; Mluleki Dlamini; Peter
McKenzie; Paulo Menezes and Liza du Plessis
Ngale: Seeing Beyond runs from March 30 to April 17 in
the KZNSA’s Main, Mezzanine and Park Galleries. The KZNSA Gallery is situated at 166 Bulwer Road, Glenwood, in Durban.
More information on 031 277 1705, fax 031 201 8051 or cell 082 220 0368 or
visit www.kznsagallery.co.za