Katlego Mashiloane and Nosipho Lavuta, Ext. 2, Lakeside, Johannesburg

Zanele Muholi’s photographic work addresses issues related to the LGBTQIA community in Africa, specifically challenging the idea held by some that to be gender nonconforming is “un-African.” By compassionately depicting couples, Muholi hopes to show the error of this view. She creates photographs that illustrate the humanity and affection in LGBTQIA relationships, breaking down the walls that have been built in an attempt to define queerness as abnormal. Muholi approaches her art as a daring activist. Though focused on the positive aspects of queer life in Africa, her work also silently acknowledges the harassment, hate crimes, and pain that many have had to live with as members of a stigmatized community. Her photographs address sexuality and women’s bodies through frank and beautiful compositions.