South African photographer Vuyo Mabheka will be showcasing his acclaimed body of work, Popihuise, at Biennale Images Vevey in Switzerland. The international exhibition at the Musée Jenisch Vevey from September 7-29 will display award-winning pieces from around the world.
In 2023, a prestigious jury, presided by international photographer Paul Graham, unanimously awarded Mabheka the Images Vevey 2023/2024 Special Jury Prize – one of Europe’s most highly regarded photography accolades. The CHF40 000 (€42 256) prize supports artists in creating ground-breaking work for presentation at the following biennale. Known for fostering original creation in contemporary photography, the Grand Prix Images Vevey is an established global beacon for visual arts, contributing over CHF100 000 (€105 640) in financial support to photography projects.
The Biennale Images Vevey, established in 2008, is Switzerland’s largest visual arts biennial, drawing artists and visitors across the world. This year’s theme, “(dis)connected”, examines the intersection of nostalgia with the anticipation of an unpredictable future. The event will reveal 50 new projects from international artists to over 60 000 visitors.
Mabheka’s Popihuise is 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 nostalgia and resilience.
Commenting on the significance of Mabheka’s achievement, Of Soul and Joy Project Manager Jabulani Dhlamini said: "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 Libode in 1999, Mabheka’s work has featured in several group exhibitions including 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.
