Southern African Tribal Traditions

A collection of original photographs and collages made predominately from original photographs.

In 1973 Daniel left his home country of Mozambique for Brazil, spending seven years away, and in 1980 returned to Africa. On returning, out of a desire to understand the cultural traditions that surrounded him in his youth and early adulthood, he began documenting the Southern African tribal traditions of The Zulus, Vendas, Sothos, Xhosas, Tswanas, Ndebeles, Basutos and Shangaans.

At first conceived solely as photographic works, after years of reflecting on these images he sought to reconsider their presentation. The resulting works attempt to extract various features that he sees inherent to the images taken decades ago that are reflective of the cultures he spent time with.

The exhibition is a collection of collages made that attempt to reconstitute single images into abstractions that parallel the various infrastructures, art forms and ceremonial traditions of the everyday lives of these cultures. Currently a collection of four series of work, the first two simply exploring expressions of tribal life during the day, and the other those of the night. The third series is inspired by visions of Owls. Finally, 'Veil Series' is an attempt to evoke materials reminiscent of Daniel's youth, such as hessian sacks and mosquito nets.