Rising South African photographer, Vuyo Mabheka, will be showcasing his acclaimed body of work, Popihuise, at the prestigious Biennale Images Vevey in Switzerland. The exhibition will take place from 7 – 29 September at the Musée Jenisch Vevey, and forms part of the award winners’ display at this renowned international biennial.
In 2023, Mabheka was unanimously awarded by a prestigious jury, presided by international photographer Paul Graham, the Images Vevey 2023/2024 Special Jury Prize, one of Europe’s most highly regarded photography accolades. The CHF 40,000 prize, awarded biannually, supports artists in creating groundbreaking work for presentation at the following Biennale. Known for fostering original creation in contemporary photography, the Grand Prix Images Vevey has established itself as a global beacon for visual arts, contributing over CHF 100,000 in financial support to innovative photography projects.
The Biennale Images Vevey, established in 2008, is Switzerland’s largest and most significant visual arts biennial, drawing artists and visitors from across the world. This year’s theme, “(dis)connected”, examines the intersection of nostalgia with the anticipation of an unpredictable future. The event will feature 50 new projects from international artists, attracting over 60,000 visitors.
Mabheka’s Popihuise offers a deeply personal exploration of his childhood memories, growing up in Libode, Eastern Cape, and later, Thokoza, Johannesburg. The term Popihuise, derived from a Xhosa adaptation of the Afrikaans word for “doll’s house,” represents the interplay between imagination and lived experience in his formative years. Mabheka’s art features a unique collage of still images, drawings, and photographs, reflecting his resilience in reimagining difficult realities through the lens of childhood play. His installations draw from the concept of Umkokotelo, a slang term referring to reinvented structures that evoke both nostalgia and resilience.
Speaking on the significance of Mabheka’s achievement, Of Soul and Joy project manager Jabulani Dhlamini commented, “Vuyo embodies our mission at Of Soul and Joy, and we couldn’t be prouder of this monumental achievement. His images are able to at once accommodate, engage and challenge audiences’ perspectives — a rare quality that he is only improving as his understanding of photography deepens.”
Born in 1999 in Libode, South Africa, Vuyo Mabheka’s work has been featured in several group exhibitions, including In Thokoza: Place of Peace (Johannesburg, 2019), Inganekwane (Johannesburg, 2021), and NWU Gallery (Potchefstroom, 2022). He joined the Of Soul and Joy project in 2017 and is currently represented by Afronova Gallery