"Beyond the Racial Lens" photography exhibition

"We have invited a diverse group of photographers, curators, art critics, and historians to discuss and debate this multi-faceted theme over a four-day period," said Omar Badsha, CEO of South African History Online. "By bringing veterans of the apartheid period into conversation with a younger generation, we can begin to revaluate the tradition of documentary photography and its significance for South Africa and southern Africa today."

The crass public display of opulence

The official launch of the photography exhibition takes place at the Castle of Good Hope today. The exhibition features the work of 56 photographers who have submitted more than 60 photographic essays that cover an array of subjects, from a powerful, yet sensitive, essay on the effects of breast cancer to the crass public display of opulence that has become the hallmark of success amongst the country's new elite.

Eight most compelling essays

Of particular interest is the announcement of the eight most compelling essays of the exhibition. These were chosen by a panel of judges comprising: renowned photographer, David Goldblatt; Sunday Independent journalist and arts columnist, Mary Corrigall; artist and lecturer Thembinkosi Goniwe; Iziko National Gallery curator, Riason Naidoo and Bonani Africa 2010 festival director, Omar Badsha.

The conference programme from 19 to 21 August 2010 consists of a series of discussions, lectures and seminars at the TH Barry Lecture Theatre of the South African Museum in Cape Town. A highlight of the conference is a conversation between Omar Badsha and David Goldblatt titled "Photography beyond the Racial Lens," on Thursday, 19 August. For a detailed programme, go to the SA History Online website at www.sahistory.org.za/pages/saho%20stuff/saho-exhibitions/bonani/program.htm