When we think of what defines a home, the ideas that initially come to mind oftentimes speak to a specific geographical location or physical structure. Yet for many who are nomads, accustomed to the constant state of transition that involves moving from one territory to the next, we ask ourselves: what binds a person to a place? Is it comfort? Familiarity? Or a grounded sense of faith in one’s community?
“This Home of Ours” acts as a contemporary time capsule of the Bo Kaap neighborhood’s rich history within Cape Town, South Africa. At a time when both an influx of foreign residents and the COVID-19 pandemic are endangering the livelihood of many residents, this series seeks to provide a platform of visibility that amplifies the voices of community members and chronicles their experiences for generations to come. This work pays homage to the individuals that raised me for the first six years of my life. Upon returning as a young adult, I captured these individuals through familial, intimate portraits in which I hope viewers will see themselves and their family members reflected in this work. In depicting Bo Kaap as more than its mesmerizingly colorful facade and its monetary value as a point of prime real estate, I aim to elucidate outsiders to its distinct character and its residents’ strong sense of unity. The textures and colors presented play an integral role in illustrating the energy and resilience of the community. Cracked paint and multi-colored storefronts shout: “We are here” in the same way that carefully placed “Save Our Heritage” posters draw attention to the community’s fight to preserve the essence of the neighborhood. Through individual and group portraits, and depictions of the varied landscape, this work aims to showcase how the culture of Bo Kaap has evolved at the intersection of race, religion, and identity, while attempting to maintain its core spirit and customs.
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