A look at real life
JOHANNESBURG – Local photographer Siphosihle Mkhwanazi is hosting an incredible solo exhibition, The Usual Suspects, at the Photo Workshop Gallery in Johannesburg until 27 September. Here’s why it’s a must-see …
Born in 1990, Mkhwanazi was an active child from the get-go participating in athletics and rugby before matriculating from Athlone Boys’ High School in 2008. However, he got caught up in the thing that every parent fears – drugs.
Although drugs played a pivotal role in his life, it wasn’t all for the wrong reasons. “While I was still experimenting with substances I would spend time reflecting on the dreams and aspirations I had when I was growing up. I realised that my surroundings were influencing my lifestyle choices and, in a way, were putting a halt on my dreams and a better future,” explained Mkhwanazi.
He claims that it was through photography that he managed to escape that downward spiral. “I was always fascinated by the idea of creating visual narratives, but photography was never part of the plan. I knew nothing about photography.”
He quickly set about learning the tricks of the trade and between 2011 and 2012 completed a number of photography courses at the Market Photo Workshop and enrolled for the year-long Advanced Programme in Photography.
It seemed as if a future in photography was set in the stars as Mkhwanazi was the second recipient of the Gisèle Wulfsohn Mentorship in Photography and was mentored by renowned South African photographer and 2011 World Press Photo winner, Jodi Bieber. He went on to be published locally and internationally and exhibited in group exhibitions such as Identikit, Spectrum and Show Us Our Land.
His latest project, The Usual Suspects, confronts the stereotypes associated with substance users while reflecting on the challenges they face on a daily basis. Although Mkhwanazi faced a few struggles with this project, it didn’t stop him. “I learnt how crucial it is to explain the project and its outcomes and wait to get permission from the person you want to photograph.”
The Usual Suspects gives viewers an incredibly raw, real insight into the Vrededorp community – a place that is often characterised by its abundance of substance abuse and ideology of racial segregation. It is most definitely worth an eye-opening visit.
Details: www.marketphotoworkshop.co.za
