Zimbabwean-born photographer Jono Terry's long-term project examining the colonial legacy of Lake Kariba has been shortlisted for the €10,000 PhMuseum Photography Grant. As a result, the project will be screened at the Kranj Photo Festival (September, Slovenia), PhMuseum Days (September, Italy), and Verzasca Foto (September, Switzerland). Titled "They Still Owe Him a Boat", the project has been 6 years in development.
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| They Still Owe Him a Boat collection by Jono Terry |
Lake Kariba was a joint venture between the former self-governing protectorates of Northern and Southern Rhodesia (now Zambia and Zimbabwe) and Nyasaland (now Malawi). The dam was built between 1955 and 1959, and the construction of the dam and its reservoir forced the resettlement of around 57,000 Tongan people living along the Zambezi in both Northern Rhodesia and Southern Rhodesia.
Throughout six years of developing and documenting 'They Still Owe Him a Boat' PhMuseum has consistently supported my work and given me a platform to showcase it. At various stages, their validation and recognition have given me the belief to continue, so now being in contention for their biggest award is an incredibly humbling day for me. There is a lot of phenomenal work shortlisted and it's a great privilege to feature alongside them. - Jono Terry via LinkedIn
The PhMuseum Photography Grant is an annual initiative that recognizes the importance of photography and visual storytelling. Over the years it has grown into a leading photography prize, with previous editions having awarded work by photographers like Max Pinckers, Poulomi Basu, Jacob Aue Sobol, Diana Markosian, Alejandro Cartagena, Bieke Depoorter, Camille Lévêque, and Tomas van Houtryve, among many others.
Now in its 12th edition, the initiative is designed to support the production and promotion of visual projects through cash prizes, exhibitions at international festivals, educational activities and exposure on online media.
Reflecting on being shortlisted, Jono Terry also noted how he was the only African photographer on the list:
On another note, I am the only photographer from Africa on this shortlist, an extra important moment because at the core of my work is the desire for more African stories, told by Africans, to be given the voice they need and the ability to do so, so thank you PhMuseum! - Jono Terry via LinkedIn
Jono Terry (b.1987), is a Zimbabwean-born, London-based documentary photographer, researcher, and writer. His work is primarily focused on post-colonial Africa and his long-term photographic projects aim to both unpack and confront colonial history whilst offering insights into its continued legacy on contemporary African society.
Most recently he has been exploring the social history of Zimbabwe, the country of his birth, and the subsequent politics of belonging that remain since its independence in 1980. As a grandson of British immigrants to Rhodesia, he is interested in questioning his own belonging as a colonial remnant and navigating the complex landscape of white, Zimbabwean (African) identity.
He is strongly motivated by creating a dialogue about the past to decolonize the present. The core of his practice is rooted in challenging Western, colonial narratives, acknowledging the systems of power that created them, and celebrating the innate beauty of his home.
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