Collen Mfazwe and Kopano Sibeko are on a visual arts research residency, from 7 – 21 March in Zurich. Mfazwe and Sibeko will be working with Zurich based project space and collective Les Complices, developing a joint project concerned with violence perpetrated against LGBTI communities.

This is a photographic project that engages with experiences of embodiment in contemporary South Africa. In particular it explores the ways in which multiple forms of violence shape and mark bodies. The photographs depict physical, spiritual, emotional and sexual violence as well as death. This work forms part of Collen Mfazwe’s visual response to the violence that has affected queer individuals and communities in South Africa and will first be shown in her township, Daveyton.

Les Complices is a self organised space and production office located in Zurich. Exhibitions, projects and events initiated and hosted by Les Complices are situated in and between the fields of contemporary arts, theatre and film, critical theory and activist practice. Beside the more longterm activities, a dense program of discussions, workshops, performances, publication presentations, talks and film screenings intends to extend the space for exchange, discourse and experimentation. Les Complices,s activities are rooted in an understanding of culture that critically engages in social and political issues and considers both content and aesthetics inseparable aspects of its practice.

Les Complices – lescomplices.ch/upcoming/