“Far From Ordinary”
Far From Ordinary opens Wednesday 28 October 2015 at 18h00 at
The Photo Workshop Gallery
This exhibition uses Njabulo Ndebele’s “The Rediscovery of the Ordinary” to investigate the daily, normal functions South African life and behavior as a means of resistance and protest. The ordinary presents an array of complexities that warrant deep exploration. Breaking away from visual spectacle representation this exhibition seeks to discover and expand the photographers placement within daily rituals of urban South Africa in “the workplace”, within gender norms and identity, and during play. Much of the work has been re-edited from the Market Photo Workshop archives and features photographers such as Nina Bekink, Sipho Gongxeka, Mack Magagane, Delwyn Verasamy, and Thandile Zwelibanzi.
Audacity of play.
In a place of detachment from the strained realities of transitioning Black youth, limited resources, inadequate education, there are sanctuary-like moments found in the delight of play. The revolution act is in enjoyment and pleasure, as play is essential to the development of social, emotional, intellectual and physical resilience.
Fair Trade.
The resistance: Forcefully finding ones way into established economy. For these traders, small business owners, and factory workers, creating a place within public space for trade is a huge endeavor. It shows tenacity and fortitude. Standing on sidewalks and sitting at sewing machines, daily, for hours, exhibits a commitment and determines to cleverly using skills to expand the boundaries of economy and trade.
Gender Normalities.
This selection of images question, and push gender perception. What is man? What is woman? Within the exploration of the interchangeability of these identifies emerges a new, or perhaps an, other, or not? These images address femininity and masculinity in the raw, uncensored in space and place.
Representation.
Ownership of ones image, body and likeness is a fundamental element to resistance. Declaring the way one is positioned and seen exemplifies ownership and privilege. Its assertive and bold and stakes place.
