Molelo Wa Badimo? Solo exhibition by Reatile Moalusi Molelo Wa Badimo, a three-part character portrait series (Complexion, Pigment, and Hue), documents and shares the perspectives of people living with vitiligo, a skin condition that causes depigmentation on sections of the skin. Reatile explores and debunks the myths around the condition, and documents individuals’ life experiences using collaborative character portrait photography. A collaborative project between Reatile and the individuals featured focuses on co-creating
and sharing intimate accounts of individual experiences of vitiligo. Reatile creates a greater awareness about the skin condition; clarifying its misconception by focusing on beauty, identity, self-acceptance and dispelling societal myths about vitiligo. Reatile seeks to inspire a renewed dialogue on beauty. The project delves into the perceptions implied on those living with vitiligo, commenting on its social positioning in culture, spirituality, and photography. Complexion is the first part of Molelo Wa Badimo. It was photographed in 2012, using large format photography. These portraits were captured with the idea to showcase the individuals and tell their stories. Images from Complexion were documented using artificial light in the studio as opposed to Pigment, which was photographed on location using only ambient natural light. Pigment illustrates individuals living with vitiligo against the backdrop of wildlife, an element or symbol of the condition having a spiritual and cultural meaning – a connection with the ancestors and being gifted. Hue is the third and final part of the project, documenting and showcasing the lives of people living with vitiligo in colour as a means to look beyond the skin and its condition, focusing on the individuals’ lives and their relationships while growing up with vitiligo.