BULAWAYO photographer and author Crispen Ndlovu is set to host a photographic exhibition dubbed “Bare Breasts Exhibition” meant to celebrate the African culture and its pride.
DIVINE DUBE Own Correspondent
The exhibition is synonymous with Africa’s last surviving monarchy — Swaziland.
Although African in its outlook, the show has been condemned by some feminists who feel the exhibition is too patriarchal and portrays women as sex objects.
During the controversial Swazi Umhlanga Reed Dance, semi-nude youthful virgins parade before the king.
But Ndlovu who is also the author of the controversial political novel Guveya told Southern Eye Lifestyle that “this is just a photographic exhibition with no live parade.”
“Bare breasts are a source of pride, life and cultural identity,” Ndlovu said in an interview yesterday.
“This is a concept that seeks to retrace the roots of African pride from bare breasts. It has been endorsed by major cultural activists like Eunice Mpofu and Pathisa Nyathi.”
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
“Historically breasts were a symbol of life as most babies are brought up feeding on breast milk,” he said.
“Women used breasts to show their loyalty to their husbands while teenagers took it as away of proving their morality in terms of whether they are virgins or not. Breasts define our cultural identity as Africans.”
He said he was currently doing photoshoots with local models at various city locations adding that photographs will be mounted on frames during the exhibition.
Ndlovu also said he envisaged inviting traditional leaders, cultural practitioners and those who identify with ancient African cultures to attend the exhibition set for mid-year.
