M.I.A. GALLERY, Seattle, United States
30 Jan 2014 - 28 Feb 2014
Albus is the first solo exhibition dedicated to the young South African photographer, Justin Dingwall, in collaboration with Thando Hopa. It explores the aesthetics of Albinism in contrast with the idealized perception of beauty.
Albinism touches every ethnic group and is characterized by the insufficiency of melanin that determines skin and hair color. Rejected, prejudiced and discriminated individuals suffering from albinism are likely to become targets and victims of physical attacks and mutilations. The project, Albus, reflects the ability to look inside ourselves and re-invent norms of beauty.
Opening reception: Thursday, January 30th, from 6-8pm.
Born in Johannesburg, Justin Dingwall achieved a Baccalaureus Technologies in Photography Cum Laude and exhibited in a group exhibition at the Pretoria Art Museum in 2004. In 2005, he was asked to exhibit at Wet Ink Gallery in an exhibition called “Portraying Life”. Albus portraits were exhibited at the Johannesburg Art fair and 1-54 Contemporary African Art fair, in London. Justin Dingwall won the Fuji Film Awards for portraiture; his work has been published both locally and internationally.
Thando Hopa, 23, born in Soweto, is a rising fashion model and a full time legal prosecutor, in Johannesburg.