Kgomotso Neto opens solo photographic exhibition

Kgomotso Neto’s Turning Heads, a photographic exhibition reflecting on the African grooming and self-care experience, opened at the Artivist in Braamfontein on 28 November, last year.

Neto, a dynamic South African photographer with the mouldings of rural life and trimmings of fast paced city living creates imagery that effortlessly reflects both the grime and glory of the city he inhabits – Johannesburg.

The photography series was inspired by black people and how they groom themselves on sidewalks, taxi ranks, malls and other unconventional spaces.

“The idea came from how a lot of us groom ourselves in the streets, in the city and the township. We cut hair, do nails, buy wigs in streets. It’s always cheap and affordable to get yourself looking good in the streets to the point where your hairstyle turns heads, also I don’t know how my salons I’ve seen in the hood called Turning Heads That’s where one element of the shoot came from”. Neto said.

Neto’s work ensured his acceptance into the 2018 New York Portfolio Review. The platform gave him the opportunity to get feedback from global industry giants on his work. He is currently freelancing, specialising in portraiture and editorials. His main focus is documenting everyday South Africans, which he showcases on his website and social media platforms

“The most important thing for me is to represent what I’m photographing in the most truthful and honest way possible. The photograph needs to be a true reflection of the situation at hand,” he said.