South African photographer Hazel Mphande previously focused on creating stark black-and-white self-portraits that conveyed a sense of discomfort. However, following a recent journey to the Karoo—a semi-arid region in the Western Cape—she captured images of the barren landscape that led her to reconsider the boundaries of self-representation.
Reflecting on her work, Mphande, 35, shared in a video interview from Johannesburg that she began to question whether landscapes themselves could serve as a form of self-portraiture. She explained that her deep connection to her homeland influences her perspective: “I continuously engage with my identity—where I come from, my upbringing, and the psychological effects that a place can imprint on an individual.”
These evocative topographical 'self-portraits' by Mphande will be exhibited by Berman Contemporary from May 9 to 11 at the 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair in New York. Alongside her, fellow South African artist Athenkosi Kwinana will present his own self-portrait works.
The significance of place as a lens to explore and express identity resonates deeply with Touria El Glaoui, founder of 1-54, an art fair named to represent Africa’s 54 countries. With events held annually in New York, Marrakech, and London, the unique character of each city shapes the ambiance and experience of the fair.
Christa Clarke, director of curatorial strategy for the Museum Project at Williams College Museum of Art, commented on the distinct qualities each location brings to the fair. She described London as a stable and crucial hub for Africa’s global diaspora, while Marrakech offers its own distinctive atmosphere. New York, she noted, has evolved through various neighborhoods and communities, lending the fair there a dynamic and varied character.
