Recent Histories at The Walther Collection

 

Recent Histories

 
Recent Histories: New Photography from Africa
The Walther Collection Project Space, NYC
Sep 22 – Dec 17
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“Recent Histories: New Photography from Africa” features work by Simon Gush, Delio Jasse, Lebohang Kganye, Dawit L. Petros, and Zina Saro-Wiwa. The use of lens based media links them all, but each artist’s exploration evolves from an unique personal perspective in place and tim.
The videos in the show are the most engaging element in the exhibition, and create a dynamic experience. Zina Saro-Wiwa’s piece, In Niger Delta: A Documentary, spotlights the cultural symbolism of the red plastic chair inviting the viewer pause and consider the narrative to which artist alludes; a man’s looped, circular voyage into, across, and out of the frame. Her reflection on culture, class and hospitality continues with Table Manners which is curated to allow the viewer to literally sit in the previously represented chair, and watch a traditional meal being eaten.
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Expertly curated, two additional projects that rely on sound, Lebohang Kganye’s Pied Piper’s Voyage, and black and white video essays by Simon Gush, are projected on opposite sides of the space at alternate times. Each film is given appropriate space for consumption and reflection.
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The photographs shown are compelling in content, but not as much in presentation. The gallery is literally divided between engaging movement and the static image. Delio Jasse’s Terreno Ocupado stand out visually with his creation of large cyanotypes, a historic alternative process, with contemporary photographs, while Dawit L. Petros’ images from The Stranger’s Notebook series are hung in a way that is unengaging to the viewer. Recent Histories: New Photography from Africa is on view in New York through December 17th. The show will travel next to Neu-Ulm Germany. For more information visit www.walthercollection.com.
by Jennie Castle