Zanele Muholi’s Family Portrait

What was the first work of art you loved?

I’m from Zululand, KwaZulu-Natal. When I was growing up, in our school books and even on television, Shaka Zulu was our hero. As a result, drawings and sketches of him – which I now know were artistic interpretations – were the first images I found inspiring. He was the Zulu king from 1816 to 1828 and a source of pride.

What is underrated?

People are familiar with my monograph, Somnyama Ngonyama, Hail the Dark Lioness, which was published by Aperture in 2018. In 2020, I self-published a colouring book of that series: it’s something I consider to be of value, too. 

What is the most important work you’ve seen lately?

A locally produced Netflix mini-series called ‘How to Ruin Christmas: The Wedding’ (2020), starring mainly South African actors. The show is not about crime or violence; it’s about connection and family.

What surprises people about you?

Because I have had dreadlocks for the last several years, people assume I smoke weed. I don’t smoke and never have.

What do you like to do when you’re alone?

I paint (a lot) with acrylics.

Who do you miss?

I miss my late mother a lot. It’s been ten years now, but it still feels like yesterday.

This article first appeared in frieze issue 219 with the headline ‘Questionnaire: Zanele Muholi'.

_{Main image: Photograph from Zanele Muholi’s family album, c.1965. Courtesy: the artist}