Photography is a medium that is one of the most powerful tools to document changes and it’s been central to documenting political changes in this country. With the advancement of technology and wider access to mobile cameras, more young people can now document and catalog events – creating visual diaries of their everyday lives. As part of the VIP Youth Festival, 9 photographers will showcase their artwork in an exhibition, providing a visual interpretation of the festival’s theme, ‘the state of South African youth today’.
With the VIP Youth Festival just around the corner, I’d like to introduce you to a few photographers discussing their work and giving you a sneak peek into what you can expect to see at the exhibition.
Jonathan Wood
Jonathan Wood is a Johannesburg-based photographer living in Ponte City, specialising in documentary photography. Remember the ‘Dirty Rotten Tequila Festival’? He’s the guy responsible for capturing all those tequila faces. Jonathan is known for immersing himself in cultures and places that most of us prefer to avoid (think Hillbrow on New Year’s Eve) and giving us a glimpse into the realities of these spaces.
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the youth of South Africa?
The first thing that comes to my mind is that it is in the interest of the youth not only in South Africa, but worldwide, to create the world we want to live in by living the way we want the world to be everyday.We are the ones with the power to create the world we want, and a non-surrendering attitude towards systems we don’t agree with should be encouraged within our societies. Our youth is short lived and fragile but if used right very impactful.
How did you interpret the theme: “State of South African youth”?
I interpret it as the current condition of South African youth. This can get complicated due to different regions and LSM standings but, in general, I think a common theme is that we are the gifted generation. Our struggles were fought before our time and now it’s time to either find more things to struggle over, or build on the foundations we have and really develop this country into something we want. I believe a lot of the youth is far more socially conscious than previous generations and I believe this consciousness is something we will be seeing affecting our societies more and more as our current youth grows into positions of leadership. The current leadership in South Africa is about how much you can personally acquire with no regard towards anyone else. Within the current youth, I feel and hope our approaches will be more aware and will be for the benefit of many.
What themes does your photography explore?
My photography explores the issues that shape our society as we know it. I have been very focused on the underworld of Johannesburg as I am fascinated by the knock-on effect we all have on one another through our actions and uses for each other. We influence our own social reality and the more we discard and exploit one another the more issues we create amongst ourselves. There is no more them and us… it’s all us.
What are you currently working on?
I have been working for a year on illegal African immigrants in Joburg CBD from housing to sources of income and employment. It’s a look into how immigrants exist and survive in Johannesburg and the struggles they face, as well as how they fit into our society and influence it by their presence and requirements. Due to limited human rights and constant threat of deportation or exploitation these communities exist very closely with the underworld in Johannesburg and the connection and overlapping of these two worlds has also become a theme in my photo documentary. I have currently spent the first year of this project in a ‘Dark Building’ known as Dark City documenting these situations.
Moss Morwahla Moeng
Moss Moeng is a Soweto-based photographer studying at the Market Photo Workshop. His work focuses on capturing thought-provoking realities that speak to social issues.
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the youth of South Africa?
I guess it would be artistic journeys of self – developing and recreating new Africa narratives, narratives that are not necessarily about oppression or the oppressed, but that talk more about self in the context of today. Narratives that question identity, culture, religion or even what we call freedom. So, when I think about the youth of South Africa I think of many dialogues that can be created but that we are denied of the opportunity to engage with, especially with others.
How did you interpret the theme: “State of South African youth”?
I have interpreted the theme in body of work I call “Masigu Adidimetseng” (Silent Nights), which is based on stereotypes people worldwide have about the streets of Soweto at night, referencing how the youth gets up to no good at night and how the streets get more dangerous at night because of the “Ghetto Youth”. So, this was a response to what Soweto ordinary nights are like, “silent”.
What themes does your photography explore?
Mainly stereotypes about people, time and place.
What are you currently working on?
‘3695 Stills’ is about objects belonging to my deceased relatives which I found in my home and decided to document. I’m bringing these objects to life and creating a conversation with them and about them. I also have a project on Swaziland and one called “Street Nomads” on the way.
Nkosinathi Khumalo
Nkosinathi Khumalo is a Soweto-born, self-taught photographer well-known for his striking landscapes.
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the youth of South Africa?
Personally, I think the youth of South Africa is a fresh, vibrant youth that embodies ideas that we have to make happen. For me, it’s like we as the youth haven’t said much (that we need to say) and haven’t influenced South Africa to a certain direction. This a youth that has been born into a process of change, a youth that is still living in the shadow of their forefathers and now we need our own voices to be heard.
How did you interpret the theme: “State of South African youth”?
The “State of South African Youth” for me, speaks of a youth that is in a phase of transition – a fragile and very dangerous state. We can conform or we can drive change by acting and making sh*t happen.
What themes does your photography explore?
My photography explores a range of subjects, which are influenced by my own personal perspective but are in some way socially, politically, geologically and historically relevant..
What are you currently working on?
I’m working on a body of work that speaks about land, the mining industry, movement, cartography and imagining. Hopefully, people will get to see it soon and I’m interested on hearing the public’s view about it.
The exhibition will be running throughout the festival, from 16-18 June, at the Live SA space, 73 Juta Street, Braamfontein. Check out the festival program here and don’t forget to register. See you there!
Words by @ThatGirlFati
