Paul Alberts
FILTER: FINANCE AND ITS LOGICS
In 1994 all South Africans were granted the right to vote. But to take part in free elections, proof of identification was required, and many people did not have that. Many citizens turned out not even to exist on paper. Although any form of identification was accepted (baptismal certificates, hospital records, a sworn statement from a registered family member), it didn’t help the marginalized black people in rural areas. To the large number of unidentified citizens get a valid identity document, Paul Alberts established a temporary studio in the town Majwemasweu. There he photographed hundreds of people with a sign in their hands showing their name and address. In this way he gave them a chance to be heard.
Artwork
Democratic Portraits
photography 1994
Paul Alberts (South Africa, 1946 to 2010)
After years of working as a journalist for major newspapers, since 1975 Paul Alberts has devoted himself entirely to documentary photography. He is known for his black and white portraits of South Africans and for his socio-political work.
Buy your Hacking Habitat tickets here.