by Lihle Mkhize

The exhibition titled Yithi Laba is a celebration of reflection and commemoration of five women photographers in response to the Twenty-five years of Democracy.

The show features a combination of five award winning photographers including Professor Zanele Muholi, Lindeka Qampi, Neo Ntsoma and Berni Searle. The exhibition took place on February 28^th 2019, at The Market Photo Workshop, situated in 138 Lillian Ngoyi Street, Newtown Johannesburg.

The audience’s response to the exhibition was amazing. In my experience of exhibitions, especially openings based on photography. I have never seen such an amazing event. Everyone was free, motivated and happy about the work of these five photographers. They were really celebrated.

The viewers, young photographers, visitors and members of the community received priceless motivation from the celebrated photographers.

“Note that the camera has no gender so those who are scared to touch the button, it is possible” said Prof Muholi. The power of these words decreased the fear of success in photography. They further mentioned “it is possible to make money through photography”. The exhibition was productive and helpful to all the attendees.

This was the most unique exhibition, It was not only about photography. Poets and singers also performed during the exhibition opening. It was everyone’s platform. Africa rises tremendously through art, silencing poverty and unemployment.

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