The Katlehong-born documentary photographer joins the ranks of previous winners such as Dada Khanyisa, Wycliffe Mundopa, Lady Skollie, and Bronwyn Katz.
Documentary photographer, Lindokuhle Sobekwa is the winner of the 2023 FNB Art Prize. Picture: Supplied
JOHANNESBURG – Lindokuhle Sobekwa is the winner of the 2023 FNB Art Prize.
The announcement of the coveted prize was made in Sandton on Tuesday.
The Katlehong-born documentary photographer joins the ranks of previous winners such as Dada Khanyisa, Wycliffe Mundopa, Lady Skollie, and Bronwyn Katz.
Sobekwa uses the camera to consider historical perspectives on the present – exposing questions, and reflecting on present times and experiences in order to bring to the fore a realistic reality where both conflict and tender moments occur, according to the judging panel.
He became aware that the use of photography would be important in conveying stories that interested and worried him while taking part in the Of Soul and Joy photographic education programme in Thokoza in 2012.
“House of Bondage became a great reference in terms of what I was pursuing in my language as a photographer,” remarked Sobekwa, in recalling coming across legendary Ernest Cole’s work at the age of 17.
FNB Art Joburg is the largest and most established contemporary art fair in Africa, with the FNB Art Prize “established to honour creativity and talent in the arts”, said FNB’s Faye Mfikwe.
“We congratulate Lindokuhle on winning the renowned prize. We find it exciting to witness artists challenge preconceived notions through their artistic endeavours,” she added.
Sobukwe’s photo essay Nyaope was published in 2014 on a number of prominent platforms such as the Mail & Guardian, Vice magazine’s annual Photo Issue, and the Belgian newspaper De Standaard. He then won a scholarship to study at the Market Photo Workshop, where he improved his conceptual and technical camera approach.
Since then, Sobekwa’s achievements have included being chosen to produce his project, I carry Her photo of Me, by the Magnum Foundation for Photography and Social Justice in New York. The handmade photo book was displayed in the African Cosmologies section of the FotoFest Biennial Houston two years later.
As 2023’s prize winner, Sobekwa will receive a financial award and a solo exhibition at the Johannesburg Art Gallery, which houses the continent’s biggest art collection.
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