A documentary photographer Cornell Tukiri is re-living the history of the historic Sophiatown.
The Melville resident is hosting a solo exhibition from 1 until 15 November at the Dr AB Xuma House where the Sophiatown Heritage Centre is situated.
Picture: Cornell Tukiri.
Tukiri said he is inspired by stories of Sophiatown in the ’50s and how mixed it was.
“I am also aware that a lot of the people who survived the forced removals are passing on, so to me it is vital that their stories and memories are preserved,” he said.
Being a town that evokes memories of a vibrant, multi-cultural community and a place where artists, writers and musicians flourished, Tukiri aims to educate and inform individuals about the place.
He also hit on the idea that current residents of Sophiatown will have an opportunity to learn and meet some of those who lived there many years ago.
“I have photographed people that lived in, and were removed from, Sophiatown. I want the viewer to get a sense of what life subjects have made and what clues to memories may lay within their spaces.
“The subjects recount feelings of the people of Sophiatown and what it was like in those days and their feelings now,” said Tukiri.
The project runs within the Johannesburg Photo Umbrella, which is part of the SA-UK Seasons 2014 and 2015 – a partnership between the Department of Arts and Culture South Africa and the British Council, he said.
He added, “The project highlights place, land, memories, identity and upheaval.”
Tukiri stated that the former Sophiatown residents only have their memories and emotions left from the time of removals.
