THROUGH THE LENS
Globe Trotting
Sibusiso Bheka, an Of Soul and Joy alumnus and project assistant, was chosen for a residency at the prestigious NOOR photo agency in Amsterdam, Netherlands. The talented artist today is represented by the Afronova gallery after joining the Of Soul and Joy project in 2012 and graduating in photography from the Vaal University of Technology in 2018.
“I’d always been interested in art and design, so when I was in Grade 9 at Buhlebuzile Secondary School and found out about Of Soul and Joy, I applied,” says Bheki. “Through my photographs I want to share stories with other people. I enjoy hearing other people’s stories about their journey so I try to document that or talk about it through my photographs. Most of the time I focus on things or situations that might not look or feel beautiful or interesting, but I try to challenge the view by offering a different perspective on the subject.”
The NOOR residency is a tailor-made programme for Of Soul and Joy photographers. It gives an opportunity for the participating photographers to meet and benefit from a mentorship by the renowned agency photographers. The community of NOOR photographers educate selected emerging artists, and gain insight into the culture and cultural identity of Amsterdam through visiting several photography-related institutions.
“Through my residency at NOOR, I’ve learnt about contracts and image licensing, as well as the importance of having your own website as an artist so that people can reach you easily. In fact, just by being in Amsterdam, exploring and visiting museums, I learnt a lot,” says Bheki.
Of Soul and Joy is a dynamic photography programme based in Thokoza that since 2012 has been passing on photography skills to disadvantaged youth growing up in the township.
“The project aims to expose the youth to Photography as a new way of expression, as a vocational skill and as a means of engagement for future opportunities,” says Jabulani Dhlamini a renowned South-African photographer represented by the Goodman Gallery and Of Soul and Joy Project Managers. “The visual platform and skills development programme offers workshops led by well-known photographers and gives attendees the opportunity to connect with people in the art world and to participate in artistic events nationally and internationally.”
Guiding Hands
Jabulani himself started his photography journey as a street photographer and knows the challenges of not having equipment and mentorship. “Being part of the project brings me joy as it gives me the opportunity to mentor young photographers. The students come to the project as novices and it is a great pleasure to see them grow in the industry, winning competitions, being signed by galleries and becoming successful photographers.”
Of Soul and Joy is open to applications from youth not only in Thokoza, but in local townships such as Soweto, Lawley and Sharpeville, and have recently started a rural project, providing access to resources, and artistic and entrepreneurial skills. Of Soul and Joy includes weekly workshops, collaborations with the community to narrate their stories, international residencies and a scholarship for a student to further their studies. Every year, students will exhibit their work locally, and sometimes abroad, and photographs are published in a book.
The programme recruits between 15 – 25 students between 13 – 34 years of age annually, with no strict criteria other than a willingness to learn. “We look for enthusiastic, dedicated, punctual and self-driven young people-who have an interest in narrating their stories with images,” says Jabulani. The programme runs for a month, with students receiving continuous support and alumni returning to facilitate workshops and mentor the new students.
