HArry Relf - Malawi in translation

Malawi in Translation is a collaborative project that explores white saviorism and the relationship between photographer and subject, 1st world and second world. Harry has visited Malawi three times, the latter two visits to try and understand more about the white saviour complex and how the perception of the 3rd world can be perceived from the 1st world. He has been embarking on a mission to allow indigenous communities in the Central and Northern regions of Malawi, Nkhotakota and Mzuzu respectively to allow them to tell their stories, from their lens. 

Countless times, white, middle-class people embark on these missions of doing charity work and leaving the communities with more problems than when they first started. Malawi in Translation explores the power of photography and how storytelling can change our perceptions of the world.

Group of people at an art gallery, viewing photographs on the wall and chatting.
People attending an art gallery exhibition, looking at large photographs of ocean scenes on white walls, with one person in the foreground making an excited expression.
People gathered at an art gallery exhibit, viewing photos on the wall, with drinks and snacks on a table in front.
A man in a black suit holding a glass of champagne standing in front of a white wall with framed ocean photographs.

Back in February, Harry held his first solo exhibition at Photomafia Studios, to spark the conversation and seek donations of cameras and relevant photographic equipment to use on further visits.