Christian Courrčges has been specialized in people?s portraits from groups often informal. He has been interested in bullfighters; he took close-up pictures of Haitian faces, of prisoners and of Baumette?s prison officers; of French and English judges or of prelates of the Roman Curia dressed. Today, he exhibits his work in baudoin lebon?s gallery in order to show this last series on Swenkas of South Africa.
Swenkas (or Swenkers) are Zoulou workers who participate to particular kind of competitions. ?Swenk? comes from the English word ?Swank?, verb and noun which means: ostentatious elegance, in eyeful, show off?
At the end of the week, Swenkas compete in elegance competitions where they scroll by turns in a silent and personal choreography. Everyone show his own style and his particular gestures.
They are judged on their clothes, on details like belts or shoes and on their general presentation.
Swenking appeared in the 60?s, created by migrant workers, living in Joannesburg or in majors South African cities, far from their hometown. This movement is an answer to hard life, miserable conditions and long separation from family.
Grouped in association, Swenkas require an exemplary behaviour. They forbid alcohol consummation in public and defend self-respect, dignity, creativity, humour and solidarity.
During competitions, each competitor gives a little amount of money which will all be given to the winner afterwards.
A bespoke suit costs about 1200?, most of the time, a Zoulou worker wins between 300? and 400? per month.
On that occasion, a catalogue of the exhibition ?Swenkas? will be published by baudoin lebon gallery.
