Exhibition Review: Zanele Muholi at New Art Exchange

The striking image used to advertise this exhibition set my expectations high weeks ago, while the title set a clear definition of what was to be included in this collection of works - Zanele Muholi themselves and a dark lioness. As Sophie, Chris and I from the Visit Notts team took the short tram ride to New Art Exchange (NAE) from Old Market Square we discussed our fondness for the gallery itself, and its eclectic food offer in the café.

Upon entering the main gallery space on the ground floor, my first observation was that it was different to how I last remembered it. NAE reconfigure the space as required for each new exhibition. Although a large space, there was little room to escape the imposing images on the wall as the stare of Zanele’s eyes drew me in and held my concentration. The beauty, the boldness and then, upon further exploration of the images, the ingenuity in using everyday objects to create such stylised portraits, were reminiscent of fashion photography. The title is perfectly apt as Zanele presents a strong, fierce impression much like that of a lioness.
 

The visuals of the work are interesting enough for a long exploration through the gallery, however I think most visitors would feel the need, as I did, to read about this fascinating person I was being presented with as I went along, in order to understand the apparent messages behind the portraits.

Zanele is a visual activist from South Africa, whose portraits exist to pose questions around social justice, human rights and representations of the black body. Zanele sees their work as a vehicle to drive change and their rise in the global art world is certainly offering the platform required to do so. Zanele does not identify with a specific gender and therefore prefers to be referred to as they.

The exhibition continues upstairs in the mezzanine gallery which had a very different feel to downstairs. Much smaller and darkly lit, Zanele’s eyes seemed to protrude from the images even more prominently. With a better understanding of the concept behind the work, the collection in this room had a stronger impact on me. There was a lot to take in and contemplate.

The visual presentation and the conceptual meaning of the work offers enough, however when I considered the technical skill used in creating these photographic images, such as the use of contrast, my respect for Zanele as an artist increased further.
 

Exhibition launch nights at NAE are always well attended and tonight was no exception with a lively atmosphere to match the vibrant crowd. The DJ added the soundtrack and with fresh samosas and drinks to purchase, a jubilant welcome from NAE Chief Exec Skinder Hundal, the evening was clearly a success for all present. If you haven’t been to NAE, or haven’t yet been to see this exhibition, you really should. The work on display is mesmerising yet challenging, and the environment is welcoming to all who comes through the doors.

I will be back again to review Zanele’s work before it no doubt moves off to another international gallery. Don’t miss it!

Zanele Muholi: Somnyama Ngonyama, Hail the Dark Lioness is on until Sunday 24 June 2018. 

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This blog was written by Genevieve Preece, Communications Executive at Visit Nottinghamshire.