In an evocative display titled “No Ulterior Motive,” the Art Institute of Chicago invites visitors to delve into the profound world captured by renowned South African photographer David Goldblatt.
Running until March 25, 2024, this exhibition draws its name from a compelling newspaper ad, setting the stage for an exploration of Goldblatt’s captivating lens on display. Goldblatt, who passed away in 2018, gained fame for his meticulous documentation of Johannesburg during and post-apartheid, creating strikingly transparent and objective portrayals of a society marked by racial divisions.
Spanning six decades of Goldblatt’s career, the exhibition seamlessly navigates from his black-and-white documentary works of the 1950s–90s to his later colour works. It elucidates how Goldblatt evolved to scrutinize his privileged role as the son of Lithuanian Jewish emigrants, illustrating his ability to freely traverse South African society and engage with a diverse range of subjects. Furthermore, the exhibition delves into his mentorship of emerging artists and enduring influence globally, showcasing works by contemporaries like Josef Koudelka, Santu Mofoken, and Zanele Muholi.
Born into a family of Lithuanian Jews who immigrated to South Africa, Goldblatt focused extensively on Johannesburg, where he spent most of his life. His freedom of movement within a racially segregated society profoundly shaped his critical perspective. Through captivating images – from a church facade to a mineshaft and the nuanced exchange of glances between passersby – Goldblatt captured the uneven application of South Africa’s political values.
David Goldblatt. Yale University Art Gallery, purchased with a gift from Jane P. Watkins, M.P.H. 1979; with the Leonard C. Hanna, Jr., Class of 1913, Fund; and with support from the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library. © The David Goldblatt Legacy Trust
Renowned for his nuanced portrayals of life under and after apartheid, Goldblatt dedicated himself to documenting the people and landscapes of South Africa. The exhibition spans seven decades of his career, further revealing his commitment to portraying the factual realities of daily life without pretence. The title, “No Ulterior Motive,” reflects Goldblatt’s promise of a transparent and straightforward photographic encounter, also showcasing his dedication to impartial observation.
This comprehensive exhibition, featuring 140 works from the collections of the Art Institute and Yale University Art Gallery, positions Goldblatt within a global network of photographers. Simultaneously presenting approximately 40 works by international contemporaries, including Josef Koudelka and Shomei Tomatsu, alongside South African photographers like Lebohang Kganye, Santu Mofokeng, Ruth Seopedi Motau, and Zanele Muholi, the project honours Goldblatt and opens a new chapter in the study of his impactful work.
Co-organized by the Art Institute of Chicago and the Yale University Art Gallery, in collaboration with Fundación MAPFRE, Madrid, the exhibition is curated by the Art Institute’s Matthew Witkovsky, Leslie Wilson, and Yechen Zhao, along with Yale University Art Gallery’s Judy Ditner. This ambitious project indeed serves as a fitting tribute to Goldblatt and underscores the ongoing relevance of his contributions to the field of photography.
