['A Zulu', 'Group of slaves'] before 1880

These gelatin silver prints, possibly by Sam Alexander, present a stark visual study in contrasts. The compositions are rigidly framed, imposing a structure that speaks to the colonial gaze. In the image titled "A Zulu," observe how the vertical lines of the background fencing, intersected by the diagonal of the spear, create a grid that seems to confine the figure. This contrasts with the intimate scene of "Group of slaves" depicting a family that seems to exist in a space beyond its control. These photographs engage with visual elements to reinforce power dynamics, framing its subjects within a system of signs that perpetuate an unequal narrative. The prints function not merely as records but as active participants in a broader cultural discourse. By employing particular visual strategies, the artist manipulates the viewer's perception, reinforcing established hierarchies and contributing to the complex semiotics of colonialism.