Isabel Pinto at National Art Gallery
Celebrated Portuguese photographer, Isabel Pinto, now lives and work in South Africa. Her first exhibition in Namibia, called Familia, opens at the National Art Gallery on 5 February.
Having lived between Mozambique and Portugal for most of her life, single mother and professional photographer Isabel Pinto has now chosen South Africa to settle with her 3 children. Internationally renowned and considered one of the leading photographers for Oscar de la Renta and Vogue in New York, Isabel has now based herself in South Africa to work on local campaigns such as the 46664 clothing line as well as continuing with her international clients.
Familia is a body of work gathered during 20 years. It tells the story of 41 families, 97 portraits, of which 12 will hang on the exhibition at the Art Gallery. “The loving bond and emotional connection inside Family, the way it shapes who we are and where we belong to, how it roots individuals has always attracted me in such a powerful way, like an addiction. I get in absolute wonder by the sight of audacity of Love. Families are the organic ground to learn love language and codes, and in that way renewing Hope for a better world!” said Pinto.
All the images in the exhibition are printed on raw organic linen. This is the first time this printing technique has been used in South Africa. This lends the photographs a tactile, sensorial quality which draws people closer, inviting one to even to touch them.
“It is the intimate and joyful portraits of families capturing tender and spontaneous moments that show us as we truly are.” Unadorned and unaware, Pinto’s subjects reflect the honest and warm way in which she sees the world.
