The Mandebele Photo Gallery is set to host a special exhibition in Soweto in honor of Youth Day. Titled ‘Isikhumbuzo’, which translates to a remembrance or memorial, this group exhibition aims to bring South African history to the forefront through the lens of photography.
According to Gopolang Ledwaba, the exhibition organizer and founder of Mandebele Photo Gallery, “Isikhumbuzo is a collection of works from different provinces, as the June 16 protests didn’t just impact Soweto but the entire country.” The exhibition will showcase iconic works by renowned photographers such as Mike Mzileni, Len Khumalo, Peter Magune, and Alf Khumalo, who documented apartheid and South Africa’s liberation journey.
In addition to these established photographers, the exhibition will also feature works by emerging artists from across the country. The exhibition will open on Youth Day and run throughout the month of June at Mandebele Photo Gallery in Soweto.
The gallery’s mission is to make art accessible to the local community and beyond. As one of the few galleries in the township, Mandebele Photo Gallery aims to foster interest and engagement with the arts, particularly among young people. Ledwaba laments the lack of emphasis on art in public schools, especially in township schools, and sees the gallery as a bridge to bring art closer to the community.
To complement the exhibition, there will be music performances by artists such as Musa Mashian, Manjik Mak, and Lunga Mkila. Through this event, Mandebele Photo Gallery hopes to elevate consciousness, educate, and share narratives that reflect lived experiences and cultural understanding.
Overall, the exhibition on Youth Day at Mandebele Photo Gallery promises to be a celebration of art, history, and the resilience of the youth in South Africa. By showcasing the work of both established and emerging photographers, the gallery continues its mission of making art accessible and bridging the gap between art and the community.
