Jim Naughten "Conflict and Costume"

Klompching Gallery

poster for Jim Naughten "Conflict and Costume"

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Klompching Gallery presents Conflict and Costume – the highly anticipated photographs of the Herero people of Namibia – by British photographer Jim Naughten.

Continuing with an abiding interest in collective perceptions of history and relationships with the past, Naughten presents a spectacular new series of portraits. As with his first series, Re-enactors – exhibited at the gallery in 2010 – he is not so much interested in the individuals themselves, but the costumes being worn and their significance in forming a cultural identity.

In the case of the Hereros, it is the adoption of 19th Century European clothing, originally introduced to the Herero people by German missionaries, traders and immigrants, during the time of the Deutsche Sudewest-afrika. Taken out of the context of the subjects’ everyday lives, the portraits are photographed against the stark backdrop of the Namib Desert. Each figure is isolated, bringing forth the vivid colors of voluminous petticoated gowns, cattle-horn-shaped headdresses and colorful military uniforms, to center stage in a spectacular fashion. The unusual vantage point presents the subjects – although anonymous – as empowered, stoic and regal.

[image: Herero Woman in Patchwork Dress ©Jim Naughten]

Media

Schedule

from March 14, 2013 to May 04, 2013

Opening Reception on 2013-03-14 from 18:00 to 20:00

Artist(s)

Jim Naughten

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