Jo Ractliffe (b. 1961) is a South African photographer renowned for her poignant black-and-white images that explore the aftermath of conflict, particularly in Southern Africa. Born in Cape Town, she has documented the impact of war, displacement, and the traces of historical violence in both urban and rural landscapes. Ractliffe's work frequently engages with themes of memory, history, and trauma, often drawing attention to overlooked or forgotten narratives.
Her notable series include As Terras do Fim do Mundo (2010), which examines the lingering effects of the Angolan Civil War, and Terreno Ocupado (2007), a reflection on post-war Luanda. Ractliffe’s photography has been exhibited widely, including at major institutions like the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the South African National Gallery. In 2020, she won the prestigious Deutsche Börse Photography Foundation Prize for her body of work.
She has also taught photography and mentored emerging photographers, contributing significantly to the visual arts landscape in South Africa.
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