As often highlighted by ZAM, there is no shortage of troubling dynamics shaping relations between Africa and Europe. As Fortress Capitalism gains ground across the continent, wealth and resources open borders and airports, while those most exploited are left vulnerable to traffickers, often ending up behind barbed wire or in trenches. At the same time, autocracy and oppression are on the rise, increasingly sustained by a rapidly expanding security industry.
In this issue of our newsletter, however, we turn to something else: the hope and inspiration offered by African creators. In moments of darkness and uncertainty, they continue to make and imagine beyond expectation, reaching across divides, urging us to sit up, open our eyes, and gather new energy. Through these creative acts, they forge connections across continents and, at moments such as this, emerge with quiet strength and clarity.
South African–born and –bred Zanele Muholi, unwavering in their commitment to an often marginalised community, has been awarded the Hasselblad Award, the most prestigious prize in photography. Meanwhile, fellow South African (and Dutch) artist, Farren van Wyk, our photo editor, opens her first solo exhibition, Mixedness Is My Mythology, in The Hague on 3 April (see our interview with her in this newsletter).
Perhaps it is simply a coincidence that both Muholi and Van Wyk have longstanding links to ZAM. Then again, perhaps ZAM has, in some small way, been part of the wind beneath their wings. One can only hope that this is the case, and that we will have the privilege of doing more, much more, of the same.
At least one recent and uplifting piece of news strengthens the belief that standing together in support of what is meaningful and beautiful can indeed make a difference. A collective response to the banning of Elegy, the artwork by Gabrielle Goliath, which had been excluded from the Venice Biennale by a short-sighted decision from a South African government minister, has led to a powerful outcome: the work will now be shown in Venice. Although presented just outside the main exhibition, it is already attracting significant attention—and rightly so.
This moment is one to celebrate.
