With the upturn of the global South infiltrating creative hubs of the western world, African creatives have been shining in their respective fields at colossal heights. South African designers Thebe Magugu, Lukhanyo Mndingi, Rich Mnisi, Palesa Mokubung, MmusoMaxwell and Laduma Ngxokolo of Maxhosa have made global breakthrough in recent years.
READ:Thebe Magugu and Adidas unveil first collaborative collection
This growing phenomenon seems to ring true not only for local designers, however South African photographers are receiving an affable reception from western critics. Earlier in the year, PhotoVogue launched its first Global Open Call in search of The Next Great Fashion Image Makers, which is endorsed by all the Vogues worldwide.
The call to action asked for artists across the world to submit their artistic expression through video and photography. Today, Photo Vogue announced the forty (40) artists selected for the main exhibition at the next edition of PhotoVogue Festival in Milan from the 17th to the 20th of November 2022.
“Our first Global Open Call, endorsed by all the editions of Vogue globally, has focused on finding the most talented fashion image makers in the world and giving them the opportunity to emerge and work within the Condé Nast Global Network. We received over 30,000 images by 3.000 artists from 121 different countries.” writes editor of PhotoVogue, Alessia Glaviano.
The results are in!
Out of the amassed submissions, five (5) South African photographers have been announced as part of the group of successful recipients elected by Vogue’s international Condé Nast jury. Aart Verrips, Imraan Christian, Carl van der Linde, Jodi Bieber and Lee-Ann Olwage will have their work showcased at the PhotoVogue Festival in Milan, Italy.
Flying the SA flag high in Milan
“Honoured to have been selected for the [PhotoVogue] festival exhibiting in Milan this year. The platform has been a game changer for me and the community has been nourishing. Thank you to [Alessia Glaviano] and [Francesca Marani] and the jurors for supporting the ma se kinders over the years and selecting us for this years festival. We love you very much and you have been a blessing to our journey.” shares photographer Imraan Christian via Instagram post.
“Thank you [Alessia Glaviano] and [Francesca Marani] for everything you do to create a more inclusive and diverse visual landscape. Also thrilled to see the work of fellow South African artists [ Aart Verrips], [Imraan Christian], [Jodi Bieber] and [Carl van de Linde] celebrated.” pens Lee-Ann Olwage.
