Craig Fraser (1)

Predominantly constructed no later than the mid 1950s and chosen for the singular legacy each keeps alive, these are homes that blend architectural integrity with an uncanny sense of place. Some more ‘historic’ than others, they have been sensitively rescued or meticulously preserved, or simply kept current with custodianship that has at all times respected their unique pedigree. Strikingly captured by distinguished photographer, Craig Fraser, they cover the full gamut of locations, architectural genres and interior decorating styles, yet have all been skilfully adapted to meet the demands of modern living.… (mer)

A photographic record in colour of life, people and homes of the people of the "old Transkei" . The Transkei is rural, traditional , a place where income depends on remittances of family members who have migrated to the mines and the cities . Old people and young children predominate. during the apartheid era the Transkei moved from being a tribal area, to a homeland and then to be an independent country . it was all a farce and a myth to create the illusion of a white South Africa. Liberation and a new regime under Nelson Mandela came in 1994 . Today the Transkei is part of the Eastern Cape Province and state funding has been pumped into the area to improve schools, hospitals and social services but all too often people are dependent on social grants . it is a poor area but traditional life survives in the remoter villages where polygamy and initiation ceremonies still happen. Families live in kraals with a collection of round rondavels in vernacular style, made of clay or mud with thatched roofs. The photographer , Craig Fraser , seeks to capture the beauty of the country and traditional building methods and living in this set of photographs . His photos are lyrical and present the Xhosa way of life at a moment in time, but it's a fast disappearing lifestyle as city ways , a monetized economy impact on these people. Much had changed in a hundred years and looking ahead modernization forces will bring further change. There is no commentary on the economics or social problems of this society but a photograph is worth a thousand words and certainly remind me of driving through The countryside as a child. This is a coffee table book and is pleasing to the eye, a good souvenir, but there is no significant analysis.… (mer)