Photographers in South Africa are engaging and experimenting in exciting topics to shift our undertsanding of photography in today’s world. Here are four photography events doing just that in Joburg this month that we recommend you check out.
Ukuzihlukanisa: Solo exhibition by Mpumelelo Buthelezi
Join the artist on Saturday June 18 at 11:00 for a walkabout. On show at Bag Factory until June 30
Mpumelelo Buthelezi’s solo exhibition Ukuzihlukanisa at The Bag Factory Artist Studios explores ideas of self-reflection, identity, and spirituality through black and white digital photographs.
Through a series of self-portraits and portraits, Mpumelelo has produced a new body of work that takes inspiration from the isolation experienced during the national lockdown. In the initial stages he used his bedroom as a studio to make self-portraits, seen in the choice of props used by the artist: bubble wrap, tin foil, lace fabric, bed sheets, and other materials found in a home. The images attempt to depict the meditative state of the artist when he started to wonder about the biblical concept of an angel and how he could elevate himself spiritually to attain the level of divinity and purity described in the holy book. As the process developed, Mpumelelo invited his friends to participate in this act of image-making, reflecting a need for companionship. Find out more.
The Nature of Photography by Through The Lens Collective
Exhibition running until mid-July at Victoria Yards.
Through the Lens Collective asks us “what is it that keeps us looking, imaging, clicking and scrolling?” with this thoughtful exhibition of photographs by mid-level and advanced student photographers.
In a world full of images, amongst the millions of photographs being created and shared each day, we take in visual content and form at the speed of light, never growing tired of the over-saturation of scenes, viewpoints and snippets we’ve consumed in the endless pursuit of that unknown moment that we instantly recognize. As we continue to satisfy our insatiable desire for photographs, seeing pieces of our world through many different eyes – we can ask ourselves if we’ve ever really seen it all? And so, with a renewed sense of wonder and curiosity; we begin to contemplate again – the nature of photography. Find out more here.
The Library x Umhlabathi Collective
On show in June at The Library of Things we Forgot to Remember at 44 Stanley Join the artists for a walkabout on Saturday June 18 at 11:00
The collaborative efforts and partnership between The Library of Things We Forgot to Remember and Umhlabathi Collective is a perfect example of artists uniting with a common goal: to nurture visual culture and photography in our community. This showcase presents an installation of photographs by three of its collective members: Jabulani Dhlamini, Tshepiso Mazibuko and Andile Komanisi.
A Place Called Home by Trevor Stuurman
On show until June 19. Booking essential.
Artist, photographer, stylist and all-round fashion icon Trevor Stuurman presents his first solo exhibition in partnership with art curators Botho Project Space and furniture and homeware brand Weylandts.
Narrated through Stuurman’s lens the exhibition is the artist’s own expression of ‘home’ complemented by furniture and decor pieces put together in collaboration with Weylandts. The exhibition unpacks how the home Stuurman was born into has become a theme that translates into everything he creates.