Thokoza photographer set to exhibit his work in France
Although student photographer Sibusiso Bheka will not be travelling to Paris for the exhibition, he is thrilled to get an opportunity to showcase his work internationally this month.
Of Soul and Joy (OSJ) student photographer Sibusiso Bheka (26) will feature in the Afronova Gallery to be held at the Also Known As Africa (AKAA) Art and Design Fair in Paris, taking place from October 20 to 22.
This was announced by the proud Thokoza-based social and artistic initiative OSJ on October 18.
In reference to Gill Scott Heron’s song, “Have you heard from Johannesburg?”, Afronova Gallery’s booth will feature a curated selection of artworks from Bheka, Lawrence Lemaoana, Alice Mann and Dimakatso Mathopa.
The eighth edition of AKAA is dedicated to showcasing curatorial excellence within the context of a dynamic art and design fair.
In this spirit, AKAA has broken from the traditional format by inviting curators and artists to take part in the fair.
Bheka was born in Thokoza and he continues to live and work in the township.
According to OSJ, Bheka will present a body of work that aims to challenge preconceived notions associated with his township.
The photographs document Thokoza by night, depicting the playful, almost surreal moments just before the light disappears, while referencing the yellow-orange lights that once controlled the movements of people of colour during apartheid.
In creating this contrast, Bheka’s work aims to illuminate the resilience and hope that transcends the complexities of a wounded, yet hopeful society.
The 26-year-old photographer said this will be the first time his work is showcased in Paris.
“It was unexpected and I am a bit nervous and worried whether the audience will understand the project.
However, I feel happy and blessed to get such a huge opportunity,” said Bheka.
He said he plans to visit or even get a residency in Paris for him to work on new materials abroad.
“My hope is for someone to identify to the project and invite me to come and create more work that side or collaboration opportunities,” he said.
OSJ project manager Jabulani Dhlamini said they are proud of how far Bheka has come as an artist.
“His work is a testimony to South Africa’s violent past as well as a celebration of the intense beauty that can be found in the details of daily life in a township,” stated Dhlamini.
Represented by Afronova Gallery, and an active member of the OSJ project, Bheka’s work has been shown across the world.
His series Stop Nonsense was part of the travelling exhibition first shown at the eleventh edition Rencontres de Bamako – African Biennale of Photography in 2017.
This was before it headed to the National Museum of World Culture in Leiden, Netherlands in 2018.
Bheka was shortlisted for the Magnum Foundation Photography and Social Justice Fellowship in 2018 and in 2019 he was nominated for the Joop Swart Masterclass and shortlisted for the Cap Prize for Contemporary African Photography.
Bheka’s work has also been shown at the Ithuba Arts Gallery in 2013, the Addis Foto Fest (Ethiopia) in 2014, the Ghent International Photo Festival (Belgium) in 2015, the Johannesburg Art Gallery in South Africa in 2016, Arles Photo Encounters in 2020 and the Bristol Photo Festival in 2021.
