Photographer Rankin Explores South Africa’s Rich Photographic Tradition In BBC Four Documentary Airing In Spring

Pictures of Africa (working title) is a one-hour documentary in which Rankin discovers contemporary South Africa airing in Spring as part of Wonderful Africa, BBC Four’s Southern Africa Season. The film follows Rankin through a series of encounters with some of South Africa’s most significant photographers from a range of photographic disciplines, including David Goldblatt and Alf Kumalo. Photography has played an important role in South Africa, documenting everything from the quotidian to the historically important. Rankin sees the country through the gaze of its leading photographers; exploring their work, re-visiting locations where they captured their iconic images, and taking his camera with him to document his own personal journey along the way.

Inspired by the people, places and events he encountered, Rankin also announces RANKINJOZI, the upcoming book and exhibition of the photographs he took on his journey. RANKINJOZI sees Rankin depart from the glossy fashion images for which he is best known, exploring the genres of documentary, social portraiture, fine art photography and reportage. Venturing out onto the city streets and into homes and communities, Rankin’s portrait of Jozi not only documents his own personal journey, but provides an insight into the land and its people. From children playing in townships, to the vibrant fashions with attitude of Johannesburg’s city streets, and moving reportage of a ritual baptism; RANKINJOZI celebrates the rich culture of tradition, community and diversity that thrives in South Africa today. The exhibition will run from 6th May – 6th June at Annroy Gallery, London.

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