Nonzuzo Gxekwa

Beauty

‘What draw me to the people I photograph is how they represent themselves, how they go about their day, how they dress up, for all of them it’s bold, whether it’s the hair, whether it’s the clothing. I think there is an element of representation, of beauty, of clothing being this statement of how people want to be seen in the world. I think, for all of them, it’s the confidence that they show that interests me. (…) Johannesburg is such a hard place for people who are not from the city. I am drawn to the small things that make the city beautiful.’

Words by Nonzuzo Gxekwa. For the full interview, click on the link below

About Nonzuzo Gxekwa

Nonzuzo Gxekwa (b. 1981) is a self-taught photographer from Ladysmith, KwaZulu Natal. Her approach to photography favours the everyday over the spectacular; sharing interesting and intimate moments through focusing the camera on what is around her as well as herself. Whether it is through street photography or the studio, her work explores the human condition in subtle and beautiful ways. Collaboration is a crucial part of her practice, she has worked together with a number of photographers and artists in Johannesburg. Gxekwa is currently under the mentorship of Michelle Loudikis, Through The Lens Collective, Johannesburg.