Bongani Tshabalala was anonymously selected by judges for his photograph “Montsho”, entered into the Portraiture category of the Open competition.
Montsho, meaning ‘black’, is a word used in South Africa to make fun of a dark-skinned person. This photograph explores the emotional effects of childhood teasing, depression and low self-esteem.
Montsho opens conversations around the representation of the black body and black lives, challenging the idea that blackness is homogenous. Tshabalala says this photograph is about destruction and preservation. It’s about what people choose to embrace after trauma.
Tshabalala is a Free State-based self-taught photographer whose contemporary style narrates the stories of African people. He’s driven by the need to create a more diverse picture and inspired by the stories and faces of his subjects.
Commenting on his win, Tshabalala said: "I am thankful for being selected as a national winner of the Sony World Photography Awards 2022. This is a great opportunity for me and my work to get exposed globally."
As South Africa’s National Award winner, Tshabalala receives Sony digital imaging equipment and will be included in the Sony World Photography Awards exhibition and book.
The overall winners in the Student, Youth, Open and Professional competition of the Sony World Photography Awards 2022 will be announced on 12 April 2022 and will go on display as part of the exhibition at Somerset House, London (13 April-2 May 2022). For more information about winners and shortlists, please click here.
