I was so excited about the prospect of an event on a Friday night in the city of Durban. This exhibition launch called “Bazobuya” was on, and I had to be there. Its part of a movement called “Occupation of the Gallery” organized by Lawrance Lemaoana and Mary Sibanda which aims to empower emerging artists to access prime gallery spaces to exhibit their work.
I can’t really remember what I wore that day but I graced the event & learnt abit more about this moving exhibition that had started at the Keyes Miles in Jozi and now in Durban.
All the photographers/artists were in a red bright top and all present to talk to their work. I was alone as always, so it was nice to have conversations about the work itself.
I spoke to Bongani Ndlovu who led me into this picture with pure eyes .. I couldn’t see it was him, I overlooked the whole image. I do that sometimes ..
Upstairs there was a spread that was giving Soweto 70s style. I enjoyed that series and they had a QR code you used to open a link that would let you view a video related to the picture when you view it through your phone. That was new.
So I gave myself a moment to roam the space and take in different art work. I liked the energy. It felt so familiar. The artists captured different aspects of their home and their selves and told a story.
Some of the photographers/artists included Hoek Swaratlhe , Bongani Ndlovu , Lusanda Ndita, Ngoma KaMphahlele amongst many others. The organizer, Lawrance Lemaoana also spoke about the vision they had with the exhibition and about each photographers sentiments in some of the imagery. Their commitment to preserving the memories of where they come from and tell personal stories was refreshing.
There was different textures and I have truly not seen photography be so interactive with its audience. The images varied from portraits of people, to everyday objects in a typical location setting, to shadows, dances ,framed outlines and more.
I had a good Durban night and I rushed home to soak it all in.
