Share

Photo Essay: Ubumnyama bam - Shades of Black

accreditation
True Self. Picture: Lulu Mhlana
True Self. Picture: Lulu Mhlana

Turning the camera on herself, photographer Lulu Mhlana explores her nude black body and confronts her dislike for its shape, colour and size.

This collection of self-portraits by photographer Lulu Mhlana (26) explores her blackness in the nude form.

“I have vivid memories of me not liking the shape, colour and size of my body when I was younger,” says Mhlana.

“I have learnt to love myself unconditionally and I have embarked on a journey of recording ubumnyama bam [my blackness] through photography.”

She studied through a part-time photography programme at Orms Cape Town School of Photography.

Through this project, Mhlana has gained a great deal of self-respect and confidence, something she struggled with for years. She uses the spaces she occupies to frame her portraits and says every photograph is accompanied by an emotion.

“Whenever I look at my portraits I know exactly how I felt at the time of turning the camera on myself,” she says.

At peace
Reflections
Grateful
Deep conversation
Love thyself
Content

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Do you believe that the various planned marches against load shedding will prompt government to bring solutions and resolve the power crisis?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes
21% - 103 votes
No
79% - 390 votes
Vote