Sibusiso Bheka's Photography Explores Township History and Reality

Summary

Sibusiso Bheka's photography delves into the lived experiences of the post-apartheid generation in Thokoza, a township south of Johannesburg. His projects, such as 'At Night They Walk With Me' and 'Stop Nonsense,' often shot at night with existing light, use storytelling and visual metaphors to reflect on the township's history and social issues. Bheka deliberately employs the distinct orange hue from historical high-mast lighting, a remnant of apartheid surveillance, to create a poetic yet historically charged atmosphere. His recent series, 'SEENS,' shifts to daylight to capture fleeting moments and characters that challenge initial perceptions, further exploring the conflicting realities of his home.

Key points

• Sibusiso Bheka's photography examines the legacy of apartheid and the 'born-free' generation in Thokoza.
• He uses night photography and existing light to create dream-like images reflecting township life and history.
• Bheka incorporates historical elements, like the orange street lighting, into his work to evoke specific moods and memories.
• His projects blend fiction and reality, using storytelling to explore social and political themes.