The journey to and from school is a familiar, often nostalgic experience. In South Africa, this daily routine can take on different meanings depending on social context.
Developed in partnership with young people from four local youth programmes, this project uses workshops to explore these journeys while building relationships. We photograph one another using analogue processes, alongside drawing, collage, and cyanotypes.
Participants share perspectives and experiences as cameras are passed between them, encouraging multiple viewpoints and a collective approach to image-making.
The work reflects a visual language shaped by everyday life.
Together, we walk the routes to and from school - an in-between space where young people navigate friendship, independence, and moments of reflection. We spend time in familiar places where play unfolds at all hours.
Using lo-fi, experimental processes that embrace imperfection, the images form playful, multi-perspective narratives.
___
That silky blue, that soft, fading light—who will we see?
The red-painted corner shop
Once, a tornado ripped through Manenberg,
The pastor stands firm,
hands in pockets,
rocking on his heels.
Behind the church,
The bendy fence,
boys lean,
He can’t cross the street—he’d be shot. A Montague.
Shadows of clean laundry dance across the court.
She kneels to watch a yellow daisy break through cement, defiant.
The police van sits still,
it's red and blue lights pulsing.
A kick, a scream, a throw -
the bus stop is a playground.
Smirks, flirting, heckles -
beautiful friendships.
The large hall waits,
no audience, no show.
In the kitchen, apples sliced with care,
the massive dog on guard, asleep.
The camper van man,
bars on windows,
an angry yell scatters the kids -
they were just playing.
And still, that soft, soft blue light lingers
___
*All images in black and white 35mm created by participants.
All cyanotypes are drawings and poems made by participants and turned into cyanotypes.
For more images and information about the work please contact Laura here.
Developed in partnership with young people from four local youth programmes, this project uses workshops to explore these journeys while building relationships. We photograph one another using analogue processes, alongside drawing, collage, and cyanotypes.
Participants share perspectives and experiences as cameras are passed between them, encouraging multiple viewpoints and a collective approach to image-making.
The work reflects a visual language shaped by everyday life.
Together, we walk the routes to and from school - an in-between space where young people navigate friendship, independence, and moments of reflection. We spend time in familiar places where play unfolds at all hours.
Using lo-fi, experimental processes that embrace imperfection, the images form playful, multi-perspective narratives.
___
That silky blue, that soft, fading light—who will we see?
The red-painted corner shop
Once, a tornado ripped through Manenberg,
The pastor stands firm,
hands in pockets,
rocking on his heels.
Behind the church,
The bendy fence,
boys lean,
He can’t cross the street—he’d be shot. A Montague.
Shadows of clean laundry dance across the court.
She kneels to watch a yellow daisy break through cement, defiant.
The police van sits still,
it's red and blue lights pulsing.
A kick, a scream, a throw -
the bus stop is a playground.
Smirks, flirting, heckles -
beautiful friendships.
The large hall waits,
no audience, no show.
In the kitchen, apples sliced with care,
the massive dog on guard, asleep.
The camper van man,
bars on windows,
an angry yell scatters the kids -
they were just playing.
And still, that soft, soft blue light lingers
___
*All images in black and white 35mm created by participants.
All cyanotypes are drawings and poems made by participants and turned into cyanotypes.
For more images and information about the work please contact Laura here.
