Phuza Life: Young, restless and plastered

14 April 2015 - 02:03 By Rea Khoabane

Photographer Musa N Nxumalo portrays the restless youth of South Africa and in the process transforms them into art. His photos have put him on the top 10 list of the prestigious First Book Award, established in 2012 to support emerging photographers.Nxumalo's collection, In Search Of ., shows ''alternative kids" and, according to the photographer, gives viewers a glimpse into the melting pot that is urban youth culture in Johannesburg.Nxumalo's images resonate beyond their immediate context because of the global significance of his subject matter - the glorification of alcohol .Born and raised in Soweto, Nxumalo says he's always been fascinated by the world outside the township and has wondered whether youngsters in other areas use alcohol to have fun. He started the series seven years ago when he embarked on a journey of self-discovery with a group of friends in an effort to encounter himself in contexts outside of the township."I look at my family's photo albums and see faults with the older generation's approach to doing things," he says. '' They also embraced alcohol, but today booze is part of our lifestyle."We don't realise that there's always been a dysfunction of alcohol [abuse] in our culture. I've documented that with the purpose of telling a story."His work has been exhibited internationally, from the Netherlands to France and Germany.The book accompanying the exhibition will be released in May. The exhibition is at the Goethe Institut in Johannesburg until the end of May, www.goethe.de..

There’s never been a more important time to support independent media.

From World War 1 to present-day cosmopolitan South Africa and beyond, the Sunday Times has been a pillar in covering the stories that matter to you.

For just R80 you can become a premium member (digital access) and support a publication that has played an important political and social role in South Africa for over a century of Sundays. You can cancel anytime.

Already subscribed? Sign in below.



Questions or problems? Email helpdesk@timeslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00.