Marlena Cechmistrz-Milczarek:
The Khoisan. Those who use the language of ‘clicks’
© Marlena Cechmistrz-Milczarek
It is with great pleasure that I serve as the curator of the photographic exhibition The Khoisan. Those Who Speak the Language of Clicks by Marlena Cechmistrz Milczarek. This exhibition is dedicated to one of the oldest peoples of Africa, the Khoisan, whose culture, history, and identity, despite numerous threats, have endured, constituting a valuable part of human heritage.
The Khoisan people, who inhabit southern Africa, are not only among the oldest nations on Earth but also possess a unique bond with nature and a tradition rooted in hunting and gathering. Today, they are a minority, and their traditions and languages, including their distinctive "click" sounds, are endangered by globalization, colonialism, and contemporary social changes. In the face of these challenges, The Khoisan exhibition aims to remind us of this unique culture and to deepen our awareness of their threatened identity.
Marlena Cechmistrz Milczarek’s photographs, captured in black and white, are powerful, symbolic frames that provoke reflection on the fate of the Khoisan people. The choice of this technique is not accidental – the absence of color in these images focuses our attention on the essence of the subjects, their emotions, and inner worlds. These subtle, symbolic images not only document but also tell the story of their vanishing identity. They are photographs that call for contemplation and engagement, not offering simple answers but urging us to reflect more deeply on their fate.
Through her empathy and respect for the people she has focused on, Marlena Cechmistrz has succeeded in capturing their stories in a manner that is both respectful and understanding. In Marlena’s lens, the Khoisan cease to be mere tourist attractions; they become full human beings who, just like all of us, have the right to life, freedom, and the preservation of their identity in the face of a changing world.
I invite you to embark on this extraordinary journey into the world of the Khoisan and to view their lives through the eyes of the artist, who, with great sensitivity, strives to tell their story, reminding us of the importance of preserving and respecting the diversity of human cultures in the face of global transformation.
With respect,
Małgorzata Wakuluk
www.wakulukphotography.com