ZOMUZI is a design practice exploring the relationship between people, the objects surrounding us and the spaces they inhabit with us.
In isiZulu, the word ZOMUZI (pronounced zoh-moo-zee) means ‘of the home.’ It is derived from the word MUZI (which means ‘home’), and the prefix ZO- indicates possession or relation. ZOMUZI would refer to something belonging to or associated with the home. In a broader sense, the idea can also be used to describe something associated with one's place of origin.
THE MONUMENTS
OBJ-0001, 2025
Jérusalem, Saint-Sépulcre, Détails des chapiteaux de la porte principale.
Jérusalem, Saint-Sépulcre, Détails de la porte
De Saulcy, a pioneering figure in the archaeology of the Near East, had ignited controversy with his 1853 book Voyage autour de la Mer Morte ("Travels Around the Dead Sea"), which explored the age and history of Jerusalem’s ancient walls. De Saulcy claimed that these walls were built during biblical times, a claim which was argued by scholars of the time to be inaccurate and speculative. Stirred by this debate, Auguste Salzmann changed his course to Jerusalem, determined to uncover the truth about its past.
For four months, Salzmann immersed himself in the city’s rich history, photographing its monuments, architectural details, and archaeological discoveries. Despite a fever that eventually forced his return to France, he collected nearly 200 images, documenting Jerusalem in a way that combined scientific inquiry with artistic sensitivity. His book, Jerusalem, published in 1856, presented these photographs as both historical evidence and works of art.
Though the book’s high price made it commercially challenging, it found a niche audience among those with a deep interest in archaeology and history. Jerusalem remains a lasting testament to Salzmann's dedication to blending science and artistry in the exploration of the ancient world.
The premise of the MONUMENTS is to contemplate the meaning of place, the past, and what it means to remember. Much like Salzmann's approach, the reduction of information and focus on particular forms, new information is brought to the fore.