About the Exhibition
A photographic essay on memory and loss
Phumelele Kunene's series In My Element is a deeply personal photographic essay capturing her late mother's belongings, each piece a moving still-life infused with memories of a life lived and lost. An exhibition forming part of INCCA's Art After Baby initiative presented the series for the first time.
"These images are more than mementos; they are portraits of her spirit," Kunene explains. "Tangible expressions of my longing and attachment. The imagery reflects my desire to preserve her essence."
Lesego Chepape featured Phumelele Kunene's solo exhibition in the Friday section of the Mail & Guardian, writing: "Kunene's In My Element is not just an exhibition; it's an invitation to experience the raw complexity of grief, memory and healing."
Works
Phumelele Kunene — In My Element I, 2024
Digital print on Felix Schoeller heavy coated high white 230 GSM paper,
mounted to aluminium with Compact 88 cleats (unglazed)
39.6 x 59.4 cm · Edition of 7 + 1 AP R4 000 excluding VAT (framed)
mounted to aluminium with Compact 88 cleats (unglazed)
39.6 x 59.4 cm · Edition of 7 + 1 AP R4 000 excluding VAT (framed)
Phumelele Kunene — In My Element II, 2024
Digital print on Felix Schoeller heavy coated high white 230 GSM paper,
mounted to aluminium with Compact 88 cleats (unglazed)
39.6 x 59.4 cm · Edition of 7 + 1 AP R4 000 excluding VAT (framed)
mounted to aluminium with Compact 88 cleats (unglazed)
39.6 x 59.4 cm · Edition of 7 + 1 AP R4 000 excluding VAT (framed)
Phumelele Kunene — In My Element III, 2024
Digital print on Felix Schoeller heavy coated high white 230 GSM paper,
mounted to aluminium with Compact 88 cleats (unglazed)
39.6 x 59.4 cm · Edition of 7 + 1 AP R4 000 excluding VAT (framed)
mounted to aluminium with Compact 88 cleats (unglazed)
39.6 x 59.4 cm · Edition of 7 + 1 AP R4 000 excluding VAT (framed)
Phumelele Kunene — In My Element IV, 2024
Digital print on Felix Schoeller heavy coated high white 230 GSM paper,
mounted to aluminium with Compact 88 cleats (unglazed)
39.6 x 59.4 cm · Edition of 7 + 1 AP R4 000 excluding VAT (framed)
mounted to aluminium with Compact 88 cleats (unglazed)
39.6 x 59.4 cm · Edition of 7 + 1 AP R4 000 excluding VAT (framed)
Phumelele Kunene — In My Element V, 2024
Digital print on Felix Schoeller heavy coated high white 230 GSM paper,
mounted to aluminium with Compact 88 cleats (unglazed)
39.6 x 59.4 cm · Edition of 7 + 1 AP R4 000 excluding VAT (framed)
mounted to aluminium with Compact 88 cleats (unglazed)
39.6 x 59.4 cm · Edition of 7 + 1 AP R4 000 excluding VAT (framed)
Phumelele Kunene — In My Element VI, 2024
Digital print on Felix Schoeller heavy coated high white 230 GSM paper,
mounted to aluminium with Compact 88 cleats (unglazed)
39.6 x 59.4 cm · Edition of 7 + 1 AP R4 000 excluding VAT (framed)
mounted to aluminium with Compact 88 cleats (unglazed)
39.6 x 59.4 cm · Edition of 7 + 1 AP R4 000 excluding VAT (framed)
