Zanele Muholi, a renowned photographer and activist known for highlighting the queer Black experience in South Africa, has been awarded the esteemed Hasselblad Award, recognized as the pinnacle of photography accolades. This honor includes a cash prize of SEK 2,000,000 (around $218,000).
As part of the award, Muholi will present a solo exhibition at the Hasselblad Center in Gothenburg, Sweden. This exhibition is set to open on October 10 and will remain accessible until April 24, 2027, showcasing the depth and significance of their work.
Born in 1972 during South Africa's apartheid era, Muholi identifies as a "visual activist." Their artistic approach combines tenderness with a sense of political urgency, as they capture subjects in soft grayscale and dramatic lighting. These portraits not only engage viewers but also serve as powerful symbols of the often-overlooked narratives within South African society.
In a 2018 interview, Muholi expressed their commitment to illuminating the rich histories of marginalized communities in South Africa. They stated, "I'm not just taking photos for fine arts--I'm producing content that speaks to South African visual history and to a group of people who, simply because of how they express themselves, won't be counted in history." Their work aims to amplify voices that have been sidelined by societal prejudices.
The Hasselblad Foundation praised Muholi's photographs for their formal strength, noting the effective use of composition, color, and lighting to craft a visual language that embodies both resilience and vulnerability. Their portraits challenge societal biases and contribute to the creation of alternative visual histories, establishing Muholi as a pivotal figure in the global queer visual culture.
A ceremony to honor Muholi will take place on October 9, followed by an artist talk at Moderna Museet in Stockholm on October 13, further enriching the dialogue surrounding their impactful work.
In response to receiving the award, Muholi remarked, "This prize is not mine alone. I carry it with the many faces, names, and histories that have trusted me with their stories. From Umlazi to every space where Black LGBTQIA+ people continue to fight to exist freely, this recognition affirms that our lives are worthy of being seen--not as statistics, not as shadows, but as full human beings."