I am passionate about large-scale black economic empowerment, the kind that can have a significant impact on the population. I would like to witness this impact within my lifetime because I believe my people deserve it.
The topic of land reform, including land expropriation without compensation, has been a long-standing concern in South Africa. While it's essential not to oversimplify the process and the timeline for achieving profound change, well-executed land reform by our government would represent multiple steps in the right direction.
This photo series aims to breathe life into the idea of black South Africans making inroads into various industries in the country. This long-term development would be made possible by land reform, providing greater land ownership to black individuals and, in turn, leading to increased economic empowerment with each successive generation.
Visually, I have chosen to focus on the rise of black individuals in the corporate industry. In keeping with the theme of land ownership, it's fitting that this should be accompanied by black ownership of cattle and other livestock, a nod to how, for centuries, cattle have symbolized wealth for black people. Just as a workplace computer desk appears out of place in the wilderness because it doesn't belong there, many black people in this country have yet to find their place in various industries. I aspire to see more and more black individuals in these industries and work environments where they historically "don't belong."
Through various forms of art, I seek to inspire a yearning for a reformed and better reality. In this case, I've chosen photography as my medium.
I am Lebo Kekana, a Johannesburg-born artist now based in Cape Town. I have a deep love for the creative journey, from conceiving ideas to their heartfelt execution, regardless of the medium of art involved. After working as a creative director and stylist on numerous projects not of my own, it finally felt right to create art that reflects what I want to capture and share, along with the narratives I strongly believe in.
Credits: Photography and Art direction: Lebo Kekana Models and Styling – Magama Dhlamini and Tshepo Malakoane Assistance – Lesego Papi