by Maureen Velile Majola
As we gathered at the Kunstplass 5 gallery waiting for the Crown Princess of Norway, Mette-Marit to arrive. The Princess made a special trip to the gallery just to meet Zanele Muholi and see the ‘I See Rainbows’ exhibition last night.
Muholi & the Princess.
Photo by Marna Eide
About hundred spectators came for both Muholi and her Royal Highness, most gathered in/outside the gallery to meet the two phenomenal persons. Cameras were out hungry for a snapshot of the Princess together with Muholi.
As soon as she jumped out from the Royal Car every photographer together with me started taking snap shots of the beautiful woman before us.
Vibeke, the co-owner of Kunstplass 5 at the opening of I See Rainbows exhibition.
Photo by Marna Eide
Vibeke Hermanrud opened the exhibition and welcomed all the guests in the house. She then called Muholi to talk about her work.
Muholi then addressed the crowd of people and the Princess and spoke about lifetime project Faces and Phases (2006 – present). The black & white portraits of black lesbians and transgender persons from South Africa and beyond are also part of the South African Pavillion at the 2013 Venice Biennale, Italy.
Muholi urged the Princess of Norway to share and spread the news to other monarchs in the world especially in Africa that, “It is ok to be homosexual and African and the society should not be allergic towards LGBTI persons. Please let them know and convince the arcane of power because you have the privilege and power to do so”.
I had my own expectations of the Crowned Princess. Lucky me I managed to put back my shoes right on time in just less than a minute before the Princess came in. If only I had known that she’s just a regular blonde with a banging body and great personality.
She actually made me realize how Crowned Princesses can use their power as a royal example to serve their communities, country and to influence others through their contributions in the social movements.
Part of the 2013 Oslo Pride activities continues till end of June.
Related articles
http://www.kongehuset.no/nyhet.html?tid=116719&sek=26939
and
2013 June 20 Inkanyiso Sees The Rainbows with Norwegians
Previous articles by Maureen
2012 December 27: on 2012 LGBTI Recognition awards
