Helmut Newton Bonn 1987 1/15 Photograph - Limited Edition of 1

It was all about the energy, the light and the great people: When visiting Cape Town in 1999 during a photo shoot, Peter Franks enthusiasm for South Africa emerged. Frank, by this time known as a successful commercial photographer in Europe, continued visiting the previously unknown country - and has kept doing so for the past fourteen years. For "Little Superheroes", his first series of pictures taken in South Africa, he played with the ancient human desire to cover ones self behind a mask. In an homage to the comic universe and a reconnection to old african rituals, children from the surroundings of Cape Town brought Spiderman, the Power Rangers and other supernatural fantasy figures to life.The spontaneous pictures depict a blithe symbiosis of landscape, the childrens poise and the very unique expression of the masks themselves. Franks most recent work shows traditional healers in South Africa - SANGOMAS- around Cape Town and Kwazulu Natal.He captures their inspiring, profound attitude in strong peaceful images, focussing on their strong expression and fundamental energy.The pictures combine the private moments within a mystic aura, created through the selective use of lights and a long exposure time. Focussing on the spirituality of the Sangomas, the pictures are not solely a documentation of rituals, but even more an unobtrusive reminder of ancient traditions and culture. Exhibition at the HVM Museum St.Gallen/Switzerland from 21th Feb. to 19th October 2014. "Museum der Völker" in Schwaz, Austria 2013.