For over 25 years I have worked in the field of documentary photography commissioned by some of the world’s foremost agencies to visually narrate issues affecting the African diaspora on the continent. Mostly the work covered food security issues, primary health care and water security. For years my images, although striking and evocative in their visual narration, were never a celebration of being African. This body of work came about by my desire to celebrate the beauty and uniqueness of being African where the body is strong, proud, feminine and masculine. A form and shape that holds its own space.
The collection was shot over a period of a few weeks in KwaZulu-Natal. For someone who has worked closely and so intimately with African communities across 52 locations in Southern, Central & East Africa my creating such a unique collection as this has been an act of love and sheer joy. There is a richness of spirit, positivity and intention to capturing images where nudity is not the objective but rather the celebration of the soul and spirit of the person. I don’t feel they represent any one thing in particular except only a vision of African beauty and value.
As a photographer having danced professionally for 20 years in ballet I am naturally bent towards capturing the human form in movement. I have developed a keen eye to read the human body that becomes a marriage between the dancer/model and the photographer. I am strongly influenced by Richard Avendon, Herb Ritts and most recently the work of Ruven Afanador. Each photographer has this remarkable ability to create pantomime through their images holding you transfixed exploring every aspect of the image.
The photographer Herb Ritts defined a period during the 1980’s and early 90’s in American fashion portrait photography few have been able to achieve. His work released the model, giving them permission to redefine artistry. His models loved him and it’s infinitely clear he loved what he was creating. He had a vision in his work that was so rare. He created images specific to that particular individual and only that individual. Herb Ritts was taken from us too soon at the height of his creative accomplishments. Herb Ritts was a master at lighting, untouchable. He was a visionary in being able to use available light to create his images. Herb Ritts has been an incredibly positive influence for me for some time now and especially in how I went about creating this body of work. Everything was shot out in the open using only the sun as my main light source, no studio flash photography, just like Herb Ritts.
There is a huge difference between shooting with available light and that of a flash in a studio. Timing is everything and you have to watch those shadows along with image density, contrast and shadow detail. Some of the images were shot in direct sun with a white backdrop whilst others were shot in the shadow areas where the light is more scattered and softer. All depends on what look I was after. I was keen to challenge myself and push the boundaries of what I am capable of creating.
This collection was shot using a digital Canon 5D Mk4.
Please join us for an evening of drinks and canapés, and to view selected works by renowned lens-based artist, Matthew Willman. This refined collection celebrates the beauty and grace of the human figure in various striking poses, presented as black and white images – classic and contemporary. 
