Of Soul and Joy

Featured Artist: Jabulani Dhlamini Jabulani Dhlamini is a Johannesburg-based documentary photographer whose work explores memory, identity, and the social realities that shape contemporary South Africa. Born in the Free State, he is a graduate of the Vaal University of Technology and a recipient of the prestigious Edward Ruiz Mentorship at the Market Photo Workshop. Known for his deeply personal and collaborative approach, Dhlamini creates photographs that challenge conventional documentary storytelling, blending autobiography, memory, and social commentary. His work has been exhibited widely across South Africa and internationally, including in Mali, France, Réunion Island, Lesotho, and the United Kingdom. As part of Of Soul and Joy XIV: Assemblies of Community, Dhlamini's work reflects on the connections between people, place, and belonging, inviting audiences to engage with stories that shape both personal and collective histories. Walkabout Feature: Explore Jabulani Dhlamini's powerful visual narratives and discover how photography can preserve memory, foster dialogue, and deepen our understanding of community. 📍 @_marketphotoworkshop 🗓 From 6 June - 31 July 2026

Featured Artist: Tadiwa Mkono Born in 2008 and raised in Thokoza, east of Johannesburg, Tadiwa Mkono is an emerging photographer whose work explores memory, identity, and the evolving realities of township life. Having begun his photographic journey with the Of Soul and Joy Project in 2022, Mkono represents a new generation of visual storytellers using photography to document both personal experiences and collective histories. Through thoughtful and evocative imagery, Mkono captures moments that bridge the past, present, and future. His photographs reflect a deep curiosity about the people and environments around him, revealing the everyday narratives that shape community life. His work invites viewers to consider how place, culture, and memory influence individual and shared identities. Despite his young age, Mkono has already participated in numerous exhibitions, including group presentations through Of Soul and Joy and exhibitions in Johannesburg and Thokoza. His growing artistic practice has earned recognition for its authenticity, sensitivity, and unique perspective. Beyond photography, Mkono has expanded his creative expression through filmmaking, contributing to both documentary and fiction projects that have been screened internationally. His involvement in collaborative arts initiatives demonstrates a commitment to storytelling across multiple mediums and highlights the power of creativity as a tool for learning, connection, and social engagement. As part of Of Soul and Joy XIV: Assemblies of Community, Mkono's work reflects the exhibition's focus on belonging, collective memory, and the ways communities shape our understanding of ourselves and one another. Walkabout Feature: Join us as we explore Tadiwa Mkono's emerging photographic practice and discover how a young artist is using image-making to preserve stories, celebrate community, and imagine new possibilities for the future. 📍@_marketphotoworkshop 🗓 From 6 June - 31 July 2026 🕙 From 11am

Featured Artist: Thandile Zwelibanzi Thandile Zwelibanzi is a South African documentary photographer whose work explores identity, social realities, and the lived experiences of communities often overlooked or misunderstood. A graduate of the renowned Market Photo Workshop, his practice is rooted in storytelling that seeks to uncover deeper truths about people, place, and belonging. Recognised early in his career as the recipient of the prestigious Edward Ruiz Mentorship, Zwelibanzi has exhibited his work internationally, including at the celebrated Rencontres de Bamako African Biennial. His artistic journey has also taken him to residencies and development programmes across South Africa and abroad, where he has continued to refine a visual language that is both deeply personal and socially engaged. Beyond his own photographic practice, Zwelibanzi is committed to nurturing the next generation of visual storytellers. Through his work as a mentor, educator, and artist mentor at the Of Soul and Joy Project, he has helped young photographers use the medium as a tool for self-expression, community building, and social change. His projects often focus on how individuals and communities navigate identity, representation, and collective memory. Whether documenting personal narratives or broader social movements, Zwelibanzi's images encourage viewers to look beyond the surface and engage with the complexities of contemporary South African life. As part of Of Soul and Joy XIV: Assemblies of Community, Zwelibanzi's work reflects the exhibition's exploration of connection, shared experience, and the power of communities to shape both personal and collective histories. Walkabout Feature: Join us as we delve into Thandile Zwelibanzi's compelling body of work and discover how photography can challenge perceptions, amplify unheard voices, and foster deeper understanding between people and communities. 📍@_marketphotoworkshop 🗓 6 June - 31 July 2026 🕙 From 11am

Featured Artist: Sibusiso Bheka at @_marketphotoworkshop Born in 1997 in Katlehong and currently living and working in Thokoza, Sibusiso Bheka is a South African photographer whose work offers an intimate and nuanced portrayal of township life. Through his lens, Bheka documents the realities of his community while celebrating the resilience, beauty, and complexity that exist within everyday experiences. A graduate of the Vaal University of Technology and Project Assistant at the Of Soul and Joy Project, Bheka has emerged as one of South Africa's most compelling contemporary photographers. His acclaimed series Stop Nonsense gained international recognition, forming part of the 11th edition of the African Biennale of Photography in Bamako, Mali, and being exhibited at the World Culture Festival in Leiden, Netherlands. Bheka's work has been showcased at major institutions and festivals across Africa and Europe, including the Addis Foto Fest (Ethiopia), Ghent International Photo Festival (Belgium), Johannesburg Art Gallery, Bristol Photo Festival (UK), and Photo Saint Germain (France). His achievements include being shortlisted for the Magnum Foundation Photography and Social Justice Fellowship and receiving the 2026 ORMS International Photography Prize. As part of Of Soul and Joy XIV: Assemblies of Community, Bheka's photographs invite viewers to engage with stories of belonging, identity, and shared humanity. His practice reflects the exhibition's central theme: the power of community as a space of connection, memory, and collective expression. Walkabout Feature: Join us as we explore Sibusiso Bheka's work and gain insight into how photography can serve as both a record of lived experience and a celebration of the communities that shape us. 📍 @_marketphotoworkshop 🗓 From 6 June - 31 July 2026 🕙 From 11am

Le papier flotté fait partie des techniques explorées lors du dernier workshop de @samueltomatis au lab Ndao Hanavao autour de la transformation des algues invasives. Inspiré de la tradition du papier Antemoro, ce procédé artisanal consiste à travailler une pâte d’algues dans l’eau afin de laisser les fibres se répartir naturellement avant de former la feuille. Au-delà de la technique, ce workshop a surtout été un moment d’expérimentation collective, où les bénéficiaires ont pu manipuler la matière, observer ses réactions et participer à chaque étape du processus de fabrication. #NdaoHanavao #RubisMécénat #socialdesign #SamuelTomatis #VitogazMadagascar

Some stories are captured. Others become part of history. 📸 The Living Frame: Photography, Legacy and Access brought together photographers, storytellers, educators and industry voices for a powerful conversation on the role of photography in shaping how we see, remember and understand our world. From reflecting on the legacy of documentary photography in South Africa to exploring the importance of access, mentorship and representation, the discussion highlighted how images continue to influence culture and create opportunities for future generations. Thank you to everyone who joined us, shared their perspectives and helped make this conversation so meaningful. 🎥 Catch some of the highlights from the day in our latest post! Swipe for more <<<< #TheLivingFrame #PhotographyLegacyAndAccess #OfSoulAndJoy #DocumentaryPhotography

Le papier pressé fait partie des procédés implémentés par le designer @samueltomatis au lab Ndao Hanavao. Son dernier workshop a été l'occasion d'améliorer et de pratiquer davantage cette technique de transformation des algues invasives. Ces algues nuisibles pour le milieu marin sont collectées à Sainte-Marie avec la collaboration de @cetamadamadag . Elles sont également conditionnées localement avec deux bénéficiaires de Ndao Hanavao pour ensuite être acheminées à Antananarivo pour être transformées en papier. #NdaoHanavao #RubisMécénat #socialdesign #SamuelTomatis #VitogazMadagascar #Cetamada #Socialinnovation #seaweed

Behind every photograph is a conversation, a moment of trust and a new way of seeing. 📸 This past week at Of Soul and Joy, our photographers spent time learning beyond the classroom... engaging with our community, exploring storytelling and documenting the world around them with intention and care. From workshops to fieldwork, these behind-the-scenes moments reflect what photography is really about: connection, perspective and people. Here’s a glimpse into the week that was at OSJ. Are story tellers shaped better through communities?

Retour sur images sur le dernier workshop de @samueltomatis à Ndao Hanavao, consacré à la transformation des algues invasives en papier et en produits dérivés. Développé depuis 2022 avec l’association @cetamadamadag , ce projet part de la collecte de l’Ulva reticulata sur les plages de Sainte-Marie. Transformées au laboratoire à Antananarivo, les algues sont travaillées à travers différentes étapes (tri, lavage, séchage, broyage puis transformation) afin de produire du papier d’algues, des formes moulées et différents objets. Au fil des workshops, les bénéficiaires ont été formés à ces procédés et ont développé plusieurs expérimentations autour de cette matière. Ce dernier temps de travail était consacré à l’aboutissement de certains objets, notamment la finalisation d’une lampe intégrant du papier d’algues, tout en consolidant les acquis techniques liés à sa fabrication. Ces développements sont aujourd’hui poursuivis par les bénéficiaires à travers @diabyndaohanavao , entreprise née au sein du laboratoire.

Tout au long du week-end, venez découvrir le stand de Ndao Hanavao à la FIM, autour du projet de valorisation des algues invasives en papier porté par les jeunes bénéficiaires de la promotion Algues. Soutenu par @vitogazmadagascar , ce projet a donné naissance à de premières créations et expérimentations développées avec @samueltomatis , ainsi qu’à la création de @diabyndaohanavao par les bénéficiaires formés au sein du laboratoire. CCI Ivato Jusqu’au 10 mai 9h — 17h

Pour son dernier workshop, le designer @samueltomatis accompagne les bénéficiaires dans la phase d’aboutissement des objets développés à partir de papier d’algues, notamment la finalisation d’une lampe intégrant cette matière. Ce temps de travail vise à consolider les acquis liés à sa fabrication et à permettre aux bénéficiaires de gagner en autonomie technique.

Where stories meet purpose. Round table conversations are great for learning, unpacking different views, even around a common feeling. “The Living Frame” brought together powerful voices, perspectives, and visual storytellers, reminding us that imagery doesn’t just capture moments, it shapes narratives, challenges perspectives, and inspires change. Much discussion around responsibility of the photographer AND the subject. Words like, "shoot" and "capture" we sometimes take for granted, but could have substantial sub-concious meaning to certain racial groups, and so much more. Thank you to everyone who joined the conversation and contributed to something truly meaningful. #OfSoulAndJoy #TheLivingFrame #CreativeConversations #StorytellingMatters #VisualVoices

Avant le dernier workshop de @samueltomatis à Ndao Hanavao, retour sur le programme algues. Développé depuis 2022 avec l’association @cetamadamadag ce projet part de la présence de l’algue invasive Ulva reticulata à Sainte-Marie, collectée sur les plages puis transformée au laboratoire à Antananarivo. Après préparation, la matière est utilisée pour produire du papier d’algues et des formes moulées. Des bénéficiaires ont été formés à ces techniques et travaillent aujourd’hui vers la création de l’entreprise @diabyndaohanavao .