Zanele Muholi's 'Somnyama Ngonyama, Hail the Dark Lioness Vol. II' Expands Self-Portrait Series with 100 New Images

Zanele Muholi, a visual activist born in 1972, has unveiled 'Somnyama Ngonyama, Hail the Dark Lioness Volume II,' a follow-up to their celebrated self-portrait series from 2018. This 2024 release by Aperture includes 100 fresh photographs, along with essays, letters, and poems contributed by writers such as Lola Olufemi and Phoebe Boswell. Renée Mussai, the curator and historian who compiled the volume, highlights Muholi's art as providing "visible justice to racialized oppression." Notable images, including 'Sine IV' (2020), 'Baveziwe' (2021), and several 'Qhakazile' pieces (2019, 2023), reflect Muholi's intense gaze and intentional use of props like white towels. While differing from collaborative works like 'Brave Beauties' and 'Only Half the Picture,' this solo endeavor promotes community through written reflections and audience interaction. Olufemi interprets one foliage image as symbolizing "abundance, freedom and safety." The book furthers Muholi's exploration of reclaiming Blackness and is regarded as a contemporary classic.