Bongani Chef Tshabalala

Bio

Born in South Africa and based in the Free state, Bongani Tshabalala is a self-taught photographer whose contemporary style is narrating the stories of African people. He’s driven by creating a more diverse picture and inspired by the stories and faces of his subjects. Bongani usually aims his camera at subjects other than himself, usually in high focus and sharp contrast of dark and light, framing with the artistic agency the imparticular depictions of South African male beings in their presence. He uses his place of birth as an inspiration to tell stories that are happening in townships. His subjects are often people he discovers on the streets and finds interesting. Bongani studied Mechanical engineering at the Central University of Technology, but he never gave up on his dream of becoming a professional visual artist.” Photography to me it’s more than just clicking the shutter speed it’s more of connecting with my subjects,” he says.

2019 New Breed Art Competition, Oliewenhuis Art Museum 

2020Online Group Exhibition, William Humphreys Art Museum 

2020 Stilled Life, Turbine Art Fair
2021 Free State Art Collectives Group Exhibition, Gallery 2
2021 Translating home, Latitudes Online
2021 Portrait show, Through the Lens Collective
2021 Sasol New Signatures Art Competition

2021 Thami Mnyele Fine art awards, Top 100 finalist 
2021 Exposure, Scope International Contemporary Art Show

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