Reflections of Self/Lifeblood of Discovery

Artists - Lianne Popiel and Botlhale Zwakala
Supervisor - Professor Fritha Langerman
IDM Collaborator - Dr Katherine Gill 

For more information on the project, read here. 

Artists' statement: Reflections of Self

In engaging with the IDM and the Desmond Tutu Health Foundations' Masiphumelele site, we chose to work with relational practice. As photographers we did not want to work in a way that was visually exploitative. Instead, we invited patients from Masiphumelele to participate in a workshop of artmaking and self-representation. 

Participants were invited to the Michaelis School of Fine Art to learn about the process of cyanotype printing – a camera-less photographic technique in which paper is coated with exposing light-sensitive iron salts and then exposed to UV light. Where light is unable to penetrate the paper, the image appears white and the rest of the paper is stained a deep cyan blue. 

Participants explored the Hiddingh Campus sustainable photo garden and made cyanotype images of their own. They were then invited to present themselves on sheets of paper, leaving silhouette, self-represented images of their own bodies. This allowed participants a form of agency, to tell their own stories, and simultaneously allowed for some anonymity. The result is a composite collage of images of plants, condoms, medicine measuring spoons, medication and the bodies of those who connected with the project. 

Artist - Kwanele Mankahla
Supervisor - Professor Fritha Langerman
IDM Collaborator - Dr Katherine Gill 

Artists' statement: Lifeblood of Discovery

This series of collages, featuring a vibrant array of colours and abstract forms, serves as a visual testament to the critical, complex, and hopeful work performed by the IDM in collaboration with the DTHF's clinical site in the ongoing battle against diseases like HIV and TB. 

The collection, through its abstract language, captures the microscopic drama of public health. The recurring use of vivid, oversized circles and spheres are reminiscent of blood cells which represents the core vitality the IDM strives to protect and restore. These are the metaphorical lifeblood of the community, constantly under threat but persistently renewed. The bright colours symbolise the breakthroughs, hope, and resilience fostered by the researchers and staff, cutting through the dense, dark elements that symbolize the disease burden and social stigma. The layered compositions reflect the multifaceted nature of the IDMs work; not just bench research, but also community outreach, clinical trials, and policy advocacy.