Visual activist and artist Zanele Muholi launches a dot-to-dot workbook, Connect the Dots, at a workshop aimed at children and teenagers on Sunday, 16 April at the Museum of Contemporary Photography in Chicago. The launch is presented by Southern Guild and coincides with its debut booth at Expo Chicago 2023, where the gallery is also exhibiting a large-scale bronze work by Muholi. The event is held in association with Norman Teague Design Studio, Michael Graham/Balloon and the Rebuild Foundation.

The workbook of dot-to-dot images is inspired by the photographic self-portraits from Muholi’s ongoing portrait series, Somnyama Ngonyama (Hail, the Dark Lioness). Each of the individual pages are perforated, so they can be torn out and shared. This edition of the book has been produced as a limited edition of 250, ensuring it is a collectible even after the pages have been used.

Muholi envisions Connect the Dots as a communication tool designed to bring people together and to share with one another, with their ultimate aim being for collectors or interested organisations to purchase the books on behalf of schools and educational institutions. The project forms part of the artist’s mission to help develop a younger generation of aspiring artists, thinkers and activists.

Muholi explains: “Behind the dots forming each portrait is a treasure trove of stories. This book will keep you or anyone entertained, connecting to self and sharpening the mind. Welcome to the magical world of dots, portraits and words. Enjoy the winding but fulfilling maze of connecting dots!”

Copies of the workbook will also be available for purchase from the Southern Guild booth at Expo Chicago (Booth 217).

EVENT INFORMATION:

DATE: Sunday 16 April 2023
TIME: 10 am – 12 noon
LOCATION: Museum of Contemporary Photography at Columbia College Chicago, 600 S Michigan Ave

Free admission. Click here to register.