Singayibiza Ngani lendawo? (What should we call this place?)

by Mhlonishwa Chiliza

in partial fulfilment of a Master of Art in Fine Arts

2 to 10 February

Singayibiza lendawo? (What should we call this place?) is a framework that reflects meaningful conversations from within the hostel space. These conversations carry a multilayered content that undermines preconceived portrayal of black migrant hostel residents in South African photography archives that often overshadow the beautiful experiments inside the hostel.

My praxis searches for beautiful experiments through employing a wide range of mediums, such as drawing, sculpture installations, performance (video) and photography. This diverse approach allows for new ideas to manifest, and it is a counter-production that intends to address the ‘missing narratives’ and also to negotiate for a new image of hostels without masking the historical, contemporary systemic manifestations of systemic violence. 

Photography by Reshma Chhiba