Kholo

Kholo, which translates to ‘growth’ in Sesotho, is a personal reflection of my journey as an artist, a son, a brother, a lover, a friend. Spending most time by myself allows me to ponder on how I have grown in these ways. I began exploring this topic in 2022 through slow and thoughtful portraits of my friends and family. I have used various mediums throughout the years to photograph this series, and produced works in both colour and black and white.

To respond to this Guest Room call, I reflected on how my growth has been an incredible, beautiful mess. In 2016, I moved from my home in Maseru, Lesotho to study in Cape Town, and although I was disconnected from photography at the time, I began to see life through a different lens. Moving back and forth between Maseru and Cape Town I began to notice how my relationship with both places that I have the privilege of calling home began to change over the years. My sense of belonging became a struggle as my identity felt split between my old home and my new home.

My photography helped me redefine myself and form a new identity. This series in particular, is shaped by my shared personal experiences with loved ones I photograph. Portraits play an integral role in my photographic work as they provide an opportunity to connect with my subjects in deeply personal ways. Through these portraits I have been able to reflect on themes of love, friendship and kinship. I hope to continue growing and evolving through various seasons and phases in life.

Mapana was chosen by our Guest Room Curators, Felix Hoffmann, Mona Schubert and Marit Lena Herrmann of FOTO ARSENAL WIEN, participate in one of our Face-to-Face portfolio feedback sessions.

"The session with Marit and Mona was exceptional. It was an opportunity for me to present my portfolio and share my process for the first time in such a setting. They both provided valuable feedback on my portfolio and presented key thoughts on how I can create and package further bodies of work. I was left with much inspiration to carry on my work and make even more meaningful works."

- Tlotliso's testimonial on his “Face-to-Face” Session