Kunhinga Portraits: Mateus Chitangenda, Fernando Chitala and Enoke Chisingi

2002
.
C-Prints
,
51 x 655 cm
Tier 2
City & Land
© Guy Tillim
Colour Photographs
The image is a striking photograph of three young boys, presumably brothers or close friends, in a rustic setting that suggests a rural or underdeveloped area.

The boy in the foreground commands attention with his direct, intense gaze into the camera. He stands firmly, wearing an oversized button-up shirt that hangs loosely on his small frame, symbolizing a juxtaposition between youth and maturity.The boy to the left is slightly behind the main subject, his arms crossed and an expression of curiosity or perhaps mild defiance on his face. The third boy, to the right, is partially obscured by the central figure, but his presence is felt through his pensive gaze that seems to look beyond the camera.Behind them, a simple, open structure is visible, and in the background, there's a fire burning, which may be for cooking or warmth. The boys' expressions and the setting convey a narrative of resilience and the stark realities of their daily lives.The composition of the photo, with its central figure and the framing by the two boys at his sides, adds a powerful dynamic to the capture. It is reminiscent of portraiture, capturing not only the individual personalities of the boys but also the atmosphere of their environment and the bond between them. This image could speak to themes of childhood, kinship, and survival, inviting the viewer to reflect on the broader social and economic context in which these children live.

Guy Tillim

South Africa
 -  
1962

Guy Tillim

South Africa
.
1962
Guy Tillim