Vuyo Mabheka
b. 1999 South Africa
Based in Alberton (South Africa)
‘Popihuise (from the Afrikaans ‘Pophuis,’ meaning dollhouse) is an ongoing project, which explores childhood memories and experiences of growing up in the absence of a father figure and the dysfunctional dynamics of not having a stable home.
My family used to move around a lot. My Mom assumed the role of a provider, and as a result I hardly saw her at home, so I had to look after my younger sibling on a daily basis. To adapt, I began to build new relationships for however long my stay was going to be. As part of the process, I adopted chameleon tendencies and perhaps lost the ‘self.’ This work confronts the past and present through an ongoing search of home in a sense of belonging and personal identity, by means of establishing a sense of ‘true self,’ if such a thing exists.’
Images:
1-Yekabani le Blemsday, 2024, from the series Popihuise © Vuyo Mabheka
2-Xa Ndimdala, 2024, from the series Popihuise © Vuyo Mabheka
Bringing together 66 artists from across the world, Photo Elysée recently celebrated emerging talent with the exhibition Gen Z: Shaping a New Gaze. As media partner, 1000 Words is featuring the work and accompanying texts of all participating artists in our weekly column dedicated to new voices in contemporary photography.
