About the “Luhlaza”series
" As a born and raised South African, I've always been intrigued by the traditional African headwear that tells stories of heritage, identity, and culture. With a desire to explore this narrative through a contemporary lens, I embarked on a journey to create a series of images that delicately merges the old with the new. The path led me to the delicate craft of origami, transforming simple paper into magnificent African-inspired sculptures.
I named this series "LUHLAZA", which translates to "green" in Xhosa, one of the primary languages spoken in Cape Town. The choice of a minimalistic green palette was intentional and layered in meaning. Green has always captivated me for the way it accentuates darker skin tones, giving a radiant and ethereal glow. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, green symbolizes tranquility, nature, and life—aligning perfectly with the essence of the African tribes that inspired this project.
The incorporation of origami was a calculated decision. This age-old art of paper folding, often associated with Japanese culture, became the medium through which African inspirations took tangible form. Collaborating with a local origami artist I found on instagram, the designs were translated into sculptures. with each intricate piece originated from a single sheet of paper, demonstrating the transformative power of art.
Lighting played a pivotal role in bringing out the nuances and details of the headpieces, as well as the emotive depth of the subjects. I opted for soft yet directional lighting. By crafting a key light overhead and using a sophisticated technique of shaping and bouncing flashes, I was able to maintain a gentle luminance that danced gracefully on the subject. This technique also allowed for dynamic movement, ensuring the subject had the freedom to express without the constraints of rigid lighting.
This series is a testament to the harmony of tradition and modernity, and the boundless possibilities when art forms collide."
Gavin Goodman
