The special selection of over 60 black and wite self-portaits, chosen specifically for the Mudec, convey indelible messages. For Muholi the camera is like a weapon of denuciation and at the
same time of salvation, wich she decides to turn towards herself.
The beauty of the compositions and the artistic talent of Muholi have the only purpose of affirming the need to exist, the dignity and respect to wich every human being is entitled, regardless of their choice of partner, their skin coloura nd their gender identification. Her idea of art instantly investigates themes such as racism, Eurocentrism, feminism and sexual politics.
These shots are magnetic and talk about social denunciation. They range from the first self- portraits to the most recent works.
Muholi chooses the setting and the light with meticulous and constant care every time, prepares the subject for the shot in a rigorous and obsessive way, working on the black-and-white color contrasts, baring her body.And finally the context of the self-portrait: Muholi stages herself with the surreal and metaphorical
use of simple everyday objects. Headresses made of money, necklaces made from light cables, pegs on the head and crowns made of tyres, tongs and various ropes interpreted as turbans and scarves are always used and worn on her body in surprisingly beautiful poses, wich often recall – at a first superficial glance – the fashion style of certain glossy fashion covers.
PH: Artsupp