South African photographer Sabelo Mlangeni has been awarded the James Barnor prize, an annual accolade recognizing artists from different regions of Africa. His images, rooted in deep engagement with queer and rural communities, have been described as capturing the 'soul of the community.'
Photographer's Approach and Background
Mlangeni reflects on his practice: 'In South Africa, a “cameraman” is more than an observer. They’re immersed in capturing the soul of the community. They’re embedded in local life, present at every community event. I was introduced to the medium in 1997, through the reconstruction of a wedding image, the first photograph I ever made.' His work spans nearly 30 years, including series such as Isivumelwano, I Have Stopped Time: A Family Portrait, and Umlindelo wamaKholwa.
Series Isivumelwano: Celebrating Unions
Writer Emmanuel Balogun explains: 'The Nguni word isivumelwano represents a contract, agreement or alliance. In Sabelo Mlangeni’s context, isivumelwano is a cause for celebration and critique of the relationships we keep with others.' Mlangeni describes his work as magnifying 'the systems we exist in (and against).' Balogun adds: 'He captures unions held in churches, community halls, wild grasslands and in the shadows. These images upend inherited notions of the white wedding. The spectator is invited to observe Mlangeni’s delicate definition of love, with a nod to subversive sexual orientations and the precariousness of gender-based roles.'
Series I Have Stopped Time: A Family Portrait: Queer Communities in the DRC
Mlangeni visited queer and rural communities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, aiming to capture umoya — the isiZulu and Bantu expression for the spirit and essence of a person: their true inner being. Curator Francesca de’ Medici notes: 'Mlangeni’s commitment is deep-rooted, driven by a passionate and long-standing interest in the origins and meaning of chosen community, and in queer, rural everyday life. This brings him to share the quotidian and commonplace with the “invisible”, AKA the queer and discriminated communities. Time spent with them is precious beyond measure, as Mlangeni communes with those he wishes to witness and celebrate through his photography for weeks, often months.' She adds: 'This immersion is a practice of deep devotion, empathy and love. By being welcomed into these communities, he absorbs their beauty and joys as much as their challenges and strife.'
Series Umlindelo wamaKholwa: Spiritual Identity
Umlindelo wamaKholwa explores the spiritual identity of those involved in two Zionist churches in Johannesburg and Driefontein. Unrelated to Jewish Zionism, the 20th-century protestant faith-healing movement is South Africa’s largest popular religious movement. Mlangeni is part of the Zionist church and has spent many years in its congregation. His respectful place within the community lifts the photographic boundaries of observer and subject, allowing him to capture authentic moments. The title refers to a night-prayer vigil, where the community comes together to pray and stand in solidarity for awaiting spirits. As the artist puts it, community is 'forged through the experience of waiting together.'
Impact and Recognition
Working largely in black and white, Mlangeni has built his practice around intimate photographs that draw out the inherent beauty in the ordinary. The James Barnor prize winner was announced at Arles. His work continues to highlight the lives of marginalized communities, offering a profound look at love, spirituality, and resilience.
