ZANELE MUHOLI’S POWERFUL SELF-PORTRAITS RETURN: Somnyama Ngonyama, Hail the Dark Lioness, Volume II Arrives – FASHION FORCE AFRICA

Johannesburg, South Africa (August 22, 2024): Acclaimed visual artist Zanele Muholi’s groundbreaking self-portrait series, Somnyama Ngonyama, Hail the Dark Lioness, welcomes its highly anticipated second volume. This follows the critical success of the first volume, which earned the prestigious Kraszna-Krausz Foundation award for the best photography book.

In Somnyama Ngonyama, Hail the Dark Lioness, Volume II, Muholi delves deeper into themes of selfhood, Black identity, and the complexities of queer experience. They craft new personas through captivating self-portraits, pushing the boundaries of self-representation. Since the first volume’s release in 2018, Muholi has traveled to various international locations, capturing their evolving artistry against diverse backdrops.

Muholi’s self-portraits are more than just images; they are powerful statements. By incorporating found materials from each location, they explore the intersection of their Black identity with contemporary and historical racism in a globalized world. This artistic exploration becomes a form of resistance, challenging existing narratives and demanding visibility.

Curated by Renée Mussai, Volume II features contributions from over ten curators, poets, and authors. This diverse group expands on the themes of the series through insightful essays and poems, creating a layered and thought-provoking experience for the reader. The book’s design echoes Muholi’s artistic vision, pushing the boundaries of traditional publishing into a realm of experimentation and poetic expression.

Muholi’s Somnyama Ngonyama series builds upon their established body of work, which includes “Faces and Phases,” documenting the history of Black LGBTQ+ individuals. This groundbreaking series has been showcased at prestigious institutions worldwide, including Tate Modern in London, the Venice Biennale, and the Seattle Art Museum.

Somnyama Ngonyama, Hail the Dark Lioness, Volume II is a powerful and timely visual exploration. Published by Aperture, the book is 172 pages and available in English. It serves as a testament to Muholi’s ongoing commitment to visual activism and self-expression.