Zulu Sign Language

2022

BLACKSBURG, VA: VIRGINIA TECH RESIDENCY

In 2015, Thamsanqa Jantjie drew attention for his delirious “signing” during Nelson Mandela’s memorial service, the most globally-viewed African event to date, unintentionally shedding light on corruption in South Africa and the disenfranchisement of the Deaf community. When confronted with his administration’s handling of Jantjie’s hiring, President Zuma took the insult a step farther and coined the fake signs as ‘Zulu-Sign Language’. 

Identifying this painful, irreverent moment as a flash point, Pinder works with American Sign Language performer Kasiem Walters to explore the social associations of this revealing breakdown in communication. Based on a collage of music from South Africa and the Black diaspora, Walters’ signing evolves into a stylized, rhythmic performance that reflects the essence of this surreal political moment. 

2021

CHICAGO STUDIO SHOOT