Zanele Muholi’s Family Portrait
The artist and activist answers the frieze questionnaire
The artist and activist answers the frieze questionnaire
![](https://static.frieze.com/files/styles/hero_image/public/article/main/zanele-muholi-main.jpg?itok=nkXVLsUZ)
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