Women behind the lens: ‘The dream had a quiet strangeness to it’

TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:

"Artist Tshepiso Moropa Explores Ancestral Connections Through Dream-Inspired Collage"

Women behind the lens: ‘The dream had a quiet strangeness to it’ analysis cover image The Guardian 8.0
Image Source: https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/4690a0ee40593f4749f9a6c806524d3d266444d5/0_990_15068_9042/master/15068.jpg?width=1200&height=630&quality=85&auto=format&fit=crop&overlay-align=bottom%2Cleft&overlay-width=100p&overlay-base64=L2ltZy9zdGF0aWMvb3ZlcmxheXMvdGctZGVmYXVsdC5wbmc&enable=upscale&s=076d64b79ad15239b86769b17d764891
Original Article Source: https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2025/may/07/women-behind-the-lens-the-dream-had-a-quiet-strangeness-to-it
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AI Analysis Average Score: 8.0
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TruthLens AI Summary

Ke Go Beile Leithlo, translated as 'I’ve Got My Eyes On You,' is an artistic endeavor within a larger project named Ditoro, which means 'dreams' in Setswana. This project seeks to delve into the realm of archival imagery, intertwining dreams and memory to create a narrative space where the past and present coalesce. The work is inspired by the artist's dream, featuring two prominent figures: a woman adorned in a flowing white dress seated on a dark leather couch and a tall man dressed in white trousers and a flowing blouse. The dream's atmosphere is described as quietly strange, with the presence of a curious woman peeking from behind the couch, which adds an element of intrigue to the scene. The artist later recognized these figures as her maternal grandparents, whose likeness she could only identify through family photographs, underscoring the personal nature of this creative exploration.

The collage created from this dream not only illustrates the surreal quality of her experience but also serves as a foundation for the Ditoro project. Tshepiso Moropa, the Johannesburg-based collage artist, employed a mixture of public archival images, personal photographs, and family archives to craft her work. The process involved intuitive decisions regarding imagery selection based on energy and expression, aiming to replicate the dream's ethereal mood. By layering different elements, she conveys the whispers of unseen forces and the weight of familial histories that linger in our subconscious. Moropa emphasizes the importance of listening to dreams as significant messages and using artistic expression to decode them. Through Ditoro, she learns to trust the insights of her inner world and presents these visions as valuable stories. Her work will be showcased at the Copeland Gallery in London from May 16 to 25, following her recognition as one of the winners of the V&A Parasol Foundation prize for women in photography in 2025.

TruthLens AI Analysis

The article explores a deeply personal and artistic expression through the lens of dreams and memory. It delves into the connections between the past and present, particularly through the experience of dreaming and the recollection of ancestral figures. The narrative presents a blend of personal history and artistic creation, aiming to evoke emotions tied to memory, loss, and the significance of familial connections.

Purpose Behind the Publication

The intent behind sharing this article appears to be multifaceted. It aims to highlight the importance of dreams as a narrative device, emphasizing their ability to connect individuals with their heritage and familial legacies. Additionally, it seeks to inspire others to explore their own dreams and memories, positioning them as valuable sources of creative material. The overall message underscores the significance of personal storytelling through art.

Public Perception Goals

This piece aims to foster a sense of connection among readers, encouraging reflection on their own family histories and the role that dreams play in shaping personal narratives. By sharing a unique artistic vision intertwined with ancestral themes, the article seeks to evoke empathy and introspection, inviting readers to consider their own experiences with dreams and memory.

Potential Omissions or Concealments

While the article focuses on personal and artistic expression, it may not address broader social or political contexts that could be relevant to the audience. The emphasis on individual experience might overshadow discussions about collective memory or cultural heritage, which could provide a richer understanding of the work's implications.

Manipulative Aspects

The article does not exhibit overt manipulative qualities. However, it employs evocative language and imagery that may influence readers' emotional responses, potentially guiding them toward specific interpretations of dreams and memory. The focus on personal experience could also serve to create a sense of exclusivity, inviting only those who resonate with the themes to engage deeply.

Authenticity of the Content

The narrative presents a genuine exploration of dreams and memory, rooted in personal experience and artistic interpretation. The authenticity is reinforced by the use of family photographs and archival imagery, which grounds the work in a tangible reality, even as it explores surreal themes.

Societal Implications

This article could encourage individuals to engage more deeply with their own histories, potentially leading to a broader cultural movement centered around personal storytelling and artistic expression. It might also inspire discussions about the significance of memory and legacy in contemporary society.

Target Audience

The article likely resonates with individuals interested in art, personal narratives, and cultural heritage. It appeals especially to those who appreciate the interplay between dreams and reality, as well as those exploring their connections to the past through creative means.

Market and Economic Impact

While the article itself may not have direct implications for stock markets or global economics, it contributes to a cultural discourse that values artistic expression and personal storytelling. This could influence trends in the art market, particularly for works that emphasize personal narratives and ancestral themes.

Geopolitical Relevance

Although the article is primarily focused on personal experience, it touches on broader themes of memory and legacy that are universally relevant. In today's context, where discussions about identity and heritage are prominent, this narrative contributes to ongoing dialogues about cultural memory and representation.

Artificial Intelligence Considerations

There is no indication that artificial intelligence played a role in the creation of this article. The personal and introspective nature of the content suggests a human touch, with the author drawing from their own experiences and emotions rather than relying on AI-generated narratives.

In conclusion, the article presents a thoughtful exploration of dreams and memory, rooted in personal history and artistic expression. It seeks to connect with readers on an emotional level, encouraging reflection on their own experiences and the significance of familial legacies.

Unanalyzed Article Content

Source URL: https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2025/may/07/women-behind-the-lens-the-dream-had-a-quiet-strangeness-to-it

Ke Go Beile Leithlo(I’ve Got My Eyes On You) is part of a project calledDitoro, meaning “dreams” in my home language, Setswana. It is a growing body of work exploring archival imagery through the lens of dreams and memory – a space where the past and present blur, where ancestral fragments reappear in unexpected ways and where dreams become portals into untold stories.

This piece depicts a dream I had a while back that lingered long after I woke. In the dream, two figures commanded the space: a woman sitting gracefully on a dark leather couch, her white dress billowing around her, with a lace structure rising from her shoulders like wings. She was calm, majestic, almost otherworldly. Beside her stood a tall figure – a man, confident, dressed in white trousers and a flowing blouse, topped with a white hat. An enigmatic guardian or a silent observer.

The dream had a quiet strangeness to it. There was a woman peeking from behind the couch; not threatening, but curious. In the dream, I was in deep conversation with the figures in the foreground. Though I can no longer recall the exact words, they spoke in whispers. After I woke, I realised that the two figures in the dream were my maternal grandparents who had passed away many years ago. I could only identify them through family photographs.

The dream not only inspired the collage but the entireDitoroproject. To create the work, I used a combination of imagery found in public archives, photographs I’ve taken and my own family archives. I carefully selected the images based on energy, gesture and expression. I cut, rearranged and layered the elements to recreate the surreal mood of the dream.

Each decision – from costume to posture – was intuitive, like following a thread back to something half remembered.Ke Go Beile Leitlhowhispers of unseen forces at play, of histories watching, waiting and holding their gaze long after the moment has passed. This work is personal. It’s about listening to dreams as messages and using art to make sense of them. ThroughDitoro, I’m learning to trust what my inner world is trying to say – and offering those visions back as stories worth telling.

Tshepiso Moropa is a collage artist based in Johannesburg. She is one of four winners of theV&A Parasol Foundation prize for women in photography 2025. Her work will be exhibited at a group show at theCopeland Gallery, Londonfrom 16-25 May

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Source: The Guardian