CSW Photography Teacher Anne Rearick’s Work Purchased By San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

A selection of CSW teacher and professional photographer Anne Rearick's photographs from her South Africa project have recently been purchased by The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) for their permanent collection.

The museum purchased two photographs from the project, which explores post-apartheid South Africa, primarily in the townships around Cape Town. Anne described the adversities still present in post-apartheid South Africa in the following statement regarding her work.

“Since 2004, I have traveled each year from my home in Gloucester, Massachusetts to South Africa and explored life in predominantly black townships outside of Cape Town, " said Anne. "My work as a photographer has permitted me entry into schools, hospitals, churches, and homes in the townships of Langa and Khayelitsha. "

Anne explained that in the 21 years since the end of apartheid, South Africans have held on to the hope that housing, jobs, and a better standard of living will become available to all. Yet, townships remain places where survival defines resident’ daily life.

Anne's photos capture images of a preacher testifying in front of his congregation, the terrible sad funeral of a young woman, the elegance of Vuyiswa in her freshly starched shirt and beret, a man hauling scraps of lumber on his thin muscular back for building temporary shelter, the proud regard of a teenager in a buttoned-up suit coat having just returned from his week-long coming of age ceremony in the bush, two young girls conversing with arms wrapped lovingly around each other.  

"These images, I hope, capture some of what it means to maintain dignity, hope, and courage in a place of overwhelming violence, poverty, and racism.” Anne shared.

You can view Anne’s photographs that were purchased by the SFMOMA above. The first photo is titled Mzonke, Joe Slovo Informal Settlements, South Africa. The second picture is titled Funeral, Langa, South Africa.

Find out more about Anne’s work and view additional photos from her portfolio at her website, http://www.annerearick.com.