uMama: Jabulani Dhlamini
Publisher: Market Photo Workshop
Year: 2012
uMama is a product of the 2011/2012 Edward Ruiz Mentorship recipient, Jabulani Dhlamini, in which he explores single motherhood and the personal moments that can often be overlooked as banal. It is in these moments that Dhlamini takes the concept of uMama not only as a gendered figure, but as a more complex signifier of societal issues. Reflecting on his own family life experiences, Dhlamini celebrates the roles of single mothers in society but also recognises their challenges.
uMama also explores imagery of single mothers through their children, raising questions of absence and what it means for young people to grow into adults without the presence of a father. The exhibition features images of mothers’ homes, and details important to them, to contextualise their lives and show their presence as homemakers.
The issue of single mothers is one of historical significance, speaking back on migrant labour histories, the format of domestic work and more contemporary issues of HIV/Aids and the current economic struggles.
