Nathi Khumalo, a distinguished visual practitioner and award-winning photographer from Orlando West, Soweto, Johannesburg, is renowned for his captivating exploration of South African society through his lens. With a profound connection to his surroundings and a keen eye for storytelling, Khumalo’s artistic journey is as rich and diverse as the landscapes he navigates.
Coordinator for Curriculum and Training
Nathi Khumalo
Biography
Light Years Role: To coordinate, oversee and consolidate activities of the workshops for the PESP4 grant of the F Stop Club SA.
Nathi Khumalo's journey as a visual practitioner and photographer is a captivating narrative of talent, dedication, and social commentary. Born and raised in the vibrant township of Soweto, Johannesburg, Khumalo's formative years were imbued with a deep connection to his surroundings and a keen sense of observation. His educational path, spanning Yeoville Boys Primary School and Hoerskool Die Adelalar in Roodeport, laid the groundwork for his future endeavors, with his passion for photography taking root during this time.
In 2012, Khumalo enrolled in the Photography program at the prestigious Market Photo Workshop. This pivotal decision marked the beginning of his formal education in photography, propelling him towards a promising career in the arts. His unwavering dedication and exceptional talent led him to complete the Advanced Programme in Photography in 2014, setting the stage for his exploration of social themes and narratives through his art.
Khumalo's body of work serves as a poignant reflection of South African society, delving into a myriad of themes ranging from representation and identity to the impact of clothing on daily life. Through his lens, he captures the nuanced complexities of contemporary life, offering thought-provoking commentary on issues such as xenophobia, consumerism, and family dynamics.
The reach of Khumalo's art extends far beyond South African borders, with exhibitions spanning France, India, Myanmar, the United States of America, and Zambia. His works have found homes in esteemed collections, including the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and RMB Holdings, while his impactful commentary on social issues has garnered praise in various publications.
In 2019, Khumalo embarked on the Afrolous Residency in Lusaka, Zambia, where he reimagined the notion of exile and offered a powerful commentary on xenophobic attacks through his series, "Iphakathi 'ripple effect.'" His explorations into land use and historical spaces in Lusaka and Livingston, showcased in the series "Ukudingiswa," provide a unique perspective on the lingering impacts of apartheid.
As a founding member of the collective "Between Life and Death," Khumalo has contributed to significant projects, including explorations of family archives and poignant reflections on xenophobia, which have garnered international recognition. Additionally, his co-founding of FSTOP CLUB SA in 2018 has provided a platform for self-publishing ideas and innovative art display methods, facilitating workshops and curated exhibitions that tackle pressing issues such as climate change.
Khumalo's curatorial endeavors, including his debut exhibition "U-Collaboration: A Transforming City" and collaborations with the Bronx Documentary Centre in New York, USA, underscore his commitment to fostering dialogue and provoking meaningful conversations through art. His ongoing contributions to the art scene, both locally and internationally, leave an indelible mark on the cultural landscape, reaffirming the transformative power of art to transcend boundaries and ignite social change.