Santu
Mofokeng

Awardee

Country

South Africa

Santu Mofokeng promoted free expression through photography.

Themes
Free Expression / Civil Society
Disciplines
Photography
Awards
Archive - Prince Claus Laureate 2009

Profile

Santu Mofokeng (1956-2020) was a photographer based in South Africa. Known for his explorations into the social landscapes of apartheid and post-apartheid South Africa, Mofokeng's work captures the complexities of daily life and the spiritual landscapes of the country's marginalized communities. His practice primarily involved black and white photography, focusing on themes such as displacement, identity, and memory.Mofokeng's most notable projects include "Black Photo Album/Look at Me: 1890-1950," where he recontextualizes archival images to explore personal and collective identities, and "Chasing Shadows," a series examining spiritual rituals across various landscapes. His work has been exhibited internationally, including at Documenta and the Jeu de Paume in Paris. Mofokeng's contributions go beyond artistic boundaries; they challenge and expand the understanding of South African cultural and historical narratives.