Then and Now - Eight South African Photographers presented by Paul Weinberg

A collection spanning fifty years to the present that offers powerful insights into the complex fabric of South African society today.

This exhibition presentsworks by eight important South African photographers who were active in the struggle against Apartheid and contrasts their work during the Apartheid era with their work in the new democracy. 

The contrasts and parallels between works from both periods – at times ironic, jarring, and joyful – offer insights about the countries troubled history, along with more intimate glimpses of the lives of ordinary people as they experience the challenges and excitement of contemporary South Africa. 

The exhibition also offers a fascinating glimpse of how the transition to democracy freed photographers to undertake new personal and artistic journeys.

“Then and Now is essentially a dialogue with eight photographers who have worked and continue to work in two highly distinctive periods in South African history: before and after its transition to democracy….this collection is something of a family gathering – a family with a shared history which has sought to understand South Africa’s changes, contradictions and complexities, both as a community and as individuals”. Paul Weinberg, ‘family Matters’, introductory essay, in Then and Now – eight South African photographers

“It seems impossible from the perspective of now to conceive of a time in recent history (1990s) when the state could limit people’s citizenship, movement and opportunities on the basis of their skin colour to the absolute benefit of one race. For many now in their twenties and younger, without an actual memory of Apartheid, it must seem like a monstrous fiction. Then and Now documents the Struggle and Post-apartheid periods in 80 photographs taken by some of South Africa’s most important photographers. While many of the images will challenge us, they also indicate that hope can achieve ends. They also tell us a lot about the power of the photograph: as a documentary record of the world, one that can help us see and make sense of things not directly experienced. They also reveal to us the important role played by photographers and photography in affecting – perhaps even changing – the events of the world”. Shaune Lakin, Director, Monash Gallery of Art, Monash Gallery of Art Newsletter, Edition No 33 summer/autumn 2009 

“This visual portrayal of apartheid South Africa and its transition to democracy is captured by these marvellous photographers armed with cameras as ‘weapons against apartheid’. They refer to themselves as the ‘taking sides’ generation. Their work displays the complexities of a country divided by race the profound challenges which it now confronts as South Africa struggles to transcend its racist past towards a non-racial democracy”. Jill Hunter, Professor of Law at UNSW, Editorial, Human Rights Defender, Australian Human Rights Centre, University of New South Wales, Vol.18: Issue 1: March 2009

David Goldblatt

George Hallett

Eric Miller

Cedric Nunn

Guy Tillim

Paul Weinberg

Graeme Williams

Gisele Wulfsohn

Artists: