© Marlena Cechmistrz-Milczarek

Artist Statement

The Khoisan. Those who use the language of ‘clicks’ is part of a long-term project dedicated to people who have preserved the primal elements of their culture: in their way of life, clothing, language, and even religion. This series of photographs captures the Khoisan, a group of people who refer to themselves as Bushmen. They come from southern Africa and are believed to carry the oldest DNA in the world.

The Khoisan people are unique for their use of a language based on ‘clicks’ or ‘smacks,’ which are considered phonemes in their language. Linguists suggest that this form of communication was likely used by early humans, making it one of the most ancient ways of speaking.

My photographs, taken in Namibia in 2023, aim to highlight the deep connection the Khoisan have with their heritage and the importance of preserving their culture. They do not just document; they convey the essence of a world that is disappearing, a world where the people live according to a rhythm unchanged for millennia. Through my lens, I seek to preserve not just the appearance of these individuals, but the soul of their existence—their unyielding presence as carriers of a language, a culture, and a history that is at risk of fading into obscurity.

The challenge of photographing this remarkable group of people was not only to capture the striking beauty of their lives but to honor their resilience and identity amidst the forces of globalization and societal change. The black-and-white images in this series were intentionally chosen to remove any distractions that color might present, allowing us to focus purely on the people, their expressions, and the intensity of their ancient way of life.

With these photographs, I aim to share not just an image, but a call for reflection. The Khoisan are not just a relic of the past, but living, breathing humans who continue to embody the history of humanity itself. This project is my attempt to preserve their story, their culture, and their language before it is lost forever.

Marlena Cechmistrz-Milczarek
www.cechmistrz.com