People: Portrait (PROFESSIONAL) - HONORABLE MENTION
We Gave you forgiveness...

Photo © Chris Kirby
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Political power may have changed hands in South Africa, but much of the country's economic power still remains in the hands of the minority white population.
Two decades after Nelson Mandela was elected, and after the much lauded peace and reconciliation process, racial tension in South Africa is still a major issue. Many believe that the country has become more divided as the economy has failed to deliver the growth and jobs promised to bring greater financial equality to the population as a whole.
For the majority of South Africans, not much has changed economically in the past twenty years. Using visual aesthetics I wanted to reflect this.
The image's embellishments have been influenced a) by distressed old images - colour-tinged and marked - that create a “time-line” aesthetic - in this case, from apartheid era - to the present. b) coloured discs symbolise the Krugerrand, a potent symbol of the apartheid era and still of ownership and wealth today. (in 2017, somewhat poignantly, the Krugerrand 'celebrated' 50 years since its introduction).
N.B. In his printed work, Chris Kirby often embellishes his images with lines, marks and colouring to disrupt the conventional perspective associated with the medium and the subject matter – and in a nuanced way convey deeper meaning to the imagery.
He was admitted to Kingston College of Art and Design (UK) and later obtained a diploma in journalism from the British College of Journalism. He specialises in the areas of African realities and other social context including: culture and identity, beliefs and religion, socio-economic issues, marginalised communities and aspects of daily life.
Born in London, of South African extraction, Chris first visited East and Southern Africa in the 1960s, later living and working there. A chance visit to the township of Soweto in South Africa during the troubled years of apartheid made a lasting impression on him, and post free democratic elections made the first of many visits there, living and working in the township.
Chris works mostly in the urban environments of Africa and steers clear of the stereotype imagery so often associated with the continent. He relates to urban and modern Africa (and African diaspora) – its fashion, style, music, street culture, attitude.
In his work, Chris often embellishes his images with lines, marks and colouring to disrupt the conventional perspective associated with the medium and the subject matter – and in a nuanced way convey deeper meaning to the imagery.
Chris’s photography has been exhibited in the UK, Europe and USA, has featured in numerous print and online publications, and has won recognition in international awards. He lives in Norfolk, England.
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Political power may have changed hands in South Africa, but much of the country's economic power still remains in the hands of the minority white population.
Two decades after Nelson Mandela was elected, and after the much lauded peace and reconciliation process, racial tension in South Africa is still a major issue. Many believe that the country has become more divided as the economy has failed to deliver the growth and jobs promised to bring greater financial equality to the population as a whole.
For the majority of South Africans, not much has changed economically in the past twenty years. Using visual aesthetics I wanted to reflect this.
The image's embellishments have been influenced a) by distressed old images - colour-tinged and marked - that create a “time-line” aesthetic - in this case, from apartheid era - to the present. b) coloured discs symbolise the Krugerrand, a potent symbol of the apartheid era and still of ownership and wealth today. (in 2017, somewhat poignantly, the Krugerrand 'celebrated' 50 years since its introduction).
N.B. In his printed work, Chris Kirby often embellishes his images with lines, marks and colouring to disrupt the conventional perspective associated with the medium and the subject matter – and in a nuanced way convey deeper meaning to the imagery.
About author:
Chris Kirby is a photographer and visual artist. His photographic practice encompasses documentary and fine art. His work draws from his fascination with the continent of Africa and its people.He was admitted to Kingston College of Art and Design (UK) and later obtained a diploma in journalism from the British College of Journalism. He specialises in the areas of African realities and other social context including: culture and identity, beliefs and religion, socio-economic issues, marginalised communities and aspects of daily life.
Born in London, of South African extraction, Chris first visited East and Southern Africa in the 1960s, later living and working there. A chance visit to the township of Soweto in South Africa during the troubled years of apartheid made a lasting impression on him, and post free democratic elections made the first of many visits there, living and working in the township.
Chris works mostly in the urban environments of Africa and steers clear of the stereotype imagery so often associated with the continent. He relates to urban and modern Africa (and African diaspora) – its fashion, style, music, street culture, attitude.
In his work, Chris often embellishes his images with lines, marks and colouring to disrupt the conventional perspective associated with the medium and the subject matter – and in a nuanced way convey deeper meaning to the imagery.
Chris’s photography has been exhibited in the UK, Europe and USA, has featured in numerous print and online publications, and has won recognition in international awards. He lives in Norfolk, England.
BACK TO GALLERY