About Us
About Durban Photo Fair
Welcome to the Durban Photo Fair, where creativity meets community and passion transforms into art. Our fair is a celebration of photography like no other, and it all began with a vision to give back to our beloved city of Durban.
Born from the passionate heart of its founder, Lungelo Mngomezulu, the Durban Photo Fair is an immersive experience designed to empower, inspire, and connect photography enthusiasts, professionals, and artists.
The Fair is a celebration of the art of photography and a platform for creativity, knowledge sharing, and community building.
About Lungelo Mngomezulu
In 2015, a young visionary named Lungelo Mngomezulu brought his dream to life – LM Visuals, a production company specializing in real-time direct marketing content. As an award-winning photographer and videographer, Lungelo has captured countless unforgettable moments. However, his true passion lies in creating opportunities for young black photographers and videographers to collaborate and thrive in the industry.
LM Visuals is a consortium of talented young professionals, guided by Lungelo’s leadership. Together, they infuse fresh ideas and boundless energy into every project. They also embark on independent ventures to hone their skills further.
The LM Visuals journey has been an exhilarating one, marked by collaborations with influential figures like former President J.G. Zuma, current President Cyril Ramaphosa, the late King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu, and many more. Their work has extended to capturing monumental events, including the Mabala Noise Migos Tour. Driven by passion, professionalism, and a deep rooted connection to their community, LM Visuals and its founder, Lungelo Mngomezulu, are dedicated to giving back through the powerful medium of photography and videography. It’s this commitment that led to the birth of the Durban Photo Fair, an event that embodies his mission to empower, inspire, and showcase the transformative potential of photography.
Durban Photo Fair
PICTURE A NEW AFRICA
The 2023 launch event is a build up to a larger fair in 2024 that will see more participants from around the country and the continent; growing the community and exploring the opportunities in photography beyond our borders, to Africa and the rest of the world.
Durban Photo Fair
The Theme
Challenging Stereotypes and Myths
Africa has often been portrayed through a narrow lens that focuses on its challenges, hardships, and stereotypes. Images of poverty, conflict, and suffering have dominated the international narrative. "Picture a New Africa" challenges these stereotypes and myths by showcasing the vibrant, diverse, and innovative aspects of the continent.
Empowering Youth Voices
The theme recognizes that the future of Africa belongs to its youth. They are demanding change, social justice, and equal opportunities. By highlighting the perspectives of young photographers and artists, we empower their voices and visions, offering a platform for them to express their hopes and aspirations for a brighter Africa.
Reshaping African Identity
The theme invites us to reexamine and redefine what it means to be African. It acknowledges that African identity is multifaceted and goes beyond the limitations of a single narrative. Africa’s young generation is at the forefront of this reshaping process, embracing their cultural heritage while forging new identities.
Promoting Positive Storytelling
“Picture a New Africa” encourages positive storytelling. It recognizes that while challenges exist, Africa is also a place of creativity, resilience, and progress. The stories and images showcased under this theme highlight achievements, innovations, and the beauty of daily life across the continent.
Art as a Catalyst for Change
Art, including photography, has a unique capacity to inspire change and provoke thought. By featuring the works of young photographers who are challenging conventional narratives, we use art as a catalyst for shifting perspectives and promoting positive change.
Celebrating the Power of Visual Storytelling
“Picture a New Africa” celebrates the power of visual storytelling. It acknowledges that photography and visual arts are influential tools for conveying messages, sparking conversations, and inspiring action.
In summary, “Picture a New Africa” is a theme that not only celebrates the youth driven transformation of Africa but also challenges conventional narratives and stereotypes. It embraces the complexity of the African continent and the diversity of its people. By inviting us to see Africa through the lens of its young visionaries, this theme opens a world of possibilities, optimism, and hope for the future of Africa – one where the youth are actively shaping the narrative and where a new Africa is emerging, ready to take its place on the global stage.