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Writer's pictureMonica Blignaut

Bongani Tshabalala


Artist 332

Bongani Tshabalala

Identity Art

Photography


Artist Bongani Tshabalala
Artist Bongani Tshabalala

Bongani Tshabalala is a South African artist, storyteller and fashion photographer. His work explores contemporary narration for the stories of African people.


Bongani Tshabalala. Imvuselelo. 2020
Bongani Tshabalala. Imvuselelo. 2020

His photography narrates what he sees happening in the townships and to create a more diverse picture of the African people. His striking visuals which are often raw and real. Tshabalala using high focus and sharp contrast between dark and light on his subjects; framing them with artistic agency unique and engaging depictions of South African male beings.


Bongani Tshabalala. Untitled. 2022
Bongani Tshabalala. Untitled. 2022

“My work gives voice to the unheard stories of contemporary youth and serves as a guide to being hope back into black lives by cherishing each moment not with the mindset of an adult but with the fresh eyes and imagination of a child.” Tshabalala says on his Instagram.



Bongani Tshabalala. Sense of Belonging. 2020
Bongani Tshabalala. Sense of Belonging. 2020

He uses his place of birth as an inspiration to tell stories which are happening in townships. Tshabalala is inspired by both the stories and faces of his subjects and aims to portray their journeys of mental health, self-love, and self-acceptance. His subjects are often people he discovers on the streets and finds interesting, and he uses a raw and minimalistic style, to portray his subjects as heroes.


Bongani Tshabalala. Mask of Masculinity .
Bongani Tshabalala. Mask of Masculinity. 2021

Tshabalala on his dream of becoming a professional photographer. “Photography to me it’s more than just clicking the shutter speed it’s more of connecting with my subjects,” he says.


Bongani Tshabalala. A portrait of Grey. 2021
Bongani Tshabalala. A portrait of Grey. 2021

“I found my path of telling stories that inspire, educate, and empower people. I love what I do because it gives me the freedom to express myself and for my voice to be heard in the creative industry.” - Bongani Tshabalala

Bongani Tshabalala. Untitled. 2021

Sources Consulted

Artist Bongani Tshabalala
Artist Bongani Tshabalala

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