Andile Buka, a self-taught photographer based in Johannesburg, recently focused his lens on South African athletes as a means to show how their efforts went unrecognized for so long due to the world's ignorance.
Titled 'Sartists Sports,' the project is "aimed at correcting the prejudices against black athletes’ history." With this, Andile Buka outfits his subjects in colonial fashion as a means to re-appropriate the power of South African athletes during the time of Apartheid. For these purposes, women are dressed lavishly in long white gowns made from lace and men wear dapper dress pants, button-ups and sweaters layered over top.
The South African athletes are shown with vintage tennis rackets in-hand as they stand next to one another in many of the photos, working to change the dialogue of the past by positioning them into power and therefore showing the importance of the culture's history in sport.
South African Athlete Photography
Andile Buka's Series Considers Prejudices Faced Throughout Time
Trend Themes
1. Black Athlete Empowerment - Exploring the re-appropriation of power for black athletes through the lens of historical prejudices.
2. Cultural Reinterpretation - Using fashion and styling to redefine cultural narratives and challenge historical stereotypes.
3. Sports as a Platform for Social Change - Highlighting the role of sports in reshaping societal discourse and promoting inclusivity.
Industry Implications
1. Photography - Opportunity for photographers to capture and showcase empowering narratives through creative interpretations.
2. Fashion - Fashion industry can contribute to cultural reinterpretation by designing clothing that challenges historical stereotypes.
3. Sports and Athletics - Sports organizations have the potential to leverage their platforms for social change and empower marginalized communities.