Umhlabathi Collective

15/08/2024

After a 6-year hiatus, renowned photographer Sabelo Mlangeni is back with a compelling solo exhibition curated by Kamogelo Walaza. Titled NGIYOBONA PHAMBILI, this exhibition delves into the hidden traumas of the past through striking landscape photography captured between 2010 to ongoing.

Opening: Sunday, 1 September 2024
Time: 12 PM
Venue: Umhlabathi Collective, Newtown

Mlangeni’s work transcends traditional photography, blending research and artistic expression to reveal the fragile, contemplative, and temporal nature of identity. Expect to see transformed and enigmatic photographs that challenge the malleability of memory and history.

Don’t miss this thought-provoking exhibition, open to the public until October 5th, 2024. Come and explore the landscapes that speak volumes about the past, present, and the enduring power of photography.

14/12/2021

Umhlabathi Collective is humbled by the support received on November 26th at the opening of its inaugural exhibition titled Vul’ Umhlabathi at 2 Helen Joseph Street in Newtown, Johannesburg. We would like to thank everyone who came to see the exhibition which officially closed December 13th 2021.

Presented as part of the 2021 Joburg Arts Alive Festival programming.

We cannot wait to see you in the new year.

10/12/2021

Current Photoworks UK writer-in-residence and founding member of our collective, Tshepiso Mabula, reflects on the powerful symbolism and potential of our young vision. Read more here:

Written by Tshepiso Mabula ka Ndongeni Land epitomizes collective place-making. On land, different parts of nature come together for collective growth and prosperity, which ultimately nourish the rest of creation. It is the land that grants us home and yet, in South Africa, land represents historica...

10/12/2021

Thanks again to the City of Joburg, Department of Arts, Culture & Heritage and the 2021 Arts Alive Festival for the massive support of our inaugural project.

The exhibition runs until 13 December and can be viewed by appointment only.

Booking requests via [email protected]

Read more about our opening events here:

30/11/2021

If you came to the Opening and Panel Discussion, kindly tag yourself in these photo’s taken by

26/11/2021

25/11/2021

23/11/2021

Tshepiso Mabula Ka Ndongeni

23/11/2021

Jabulani Dhlamini

23/11/2021

Tshepiso Mazibuko

22/11/2021

Vul’ Umhlabathi will be open from November 26th November until December 13th, Monday to Friday, 11:00 – 16:00 by appointment only
E: [email protected]

18/11/2021

On November 26th 2021, Umhlabathi Collective opens its inaugural exhibition titled Vul’ Umhlabathi at 2 Helen Joseph Street in Newtown, Johannesburg.

WHERE IS UMHLABATHI?

Previously, home to the renowned school of photography, the Market Photo Workshop (MPW), until 2016. The building itself is of personal significance to the Collective’s eight members – several of whom are themselves MPW alumni.

The Collective will also host a walkabout and panel discussion at WORKERS MUSEUM on Saturday, 27 November, which will explore the notion of photography as labour.

The discussion will foreground the role that photography as a creative tool has played in archiving and humanising the black lived experience in South Africa - despite the historical erasure perpetuated by oppressive systems.

Vul’ Umhlabathi will be open from November 26th November until December 13th, Monday to Friday, 11:00 – 16:00 by appointment only.

For bookings & enquires, contact: [email protected]