David Goldblatt

David Goldblatt
Girl with purse, Joubert Park, Johannesburg, 1975
From Particulars
Gelatin-silver print, 47.8 x 47 cm
Collection Fotomuseum Winterthur
2008-005-013

© David Goldblatt

1930 (Randfontein, SZ) – 2018 (Johannesburg, SZ)
In his own distinctive way, David Goldblatt scans the world’s surfaces for “telling” details, collecting visual evidence that leads to a greater understanding of the essence of South African society. He mixes concrete visual imagery and direct, respectful encounters to make a structural analysis of society, weaving images and texts into a complex visual anthropology. The result is a revitalization of documentary photography that gives his work its own great strength. Goldblatt’s work deals mainly with South Africa, yet at the same time, it helps us to think about the balance of power and discriminations throughout the entire world.