Exploring Athleticism

“The aim with the project is to challenge previously conceived ideas of South African black culture that have social and cultural impacts.” In his series ‘Sartists Sports’, the Johannesburg-based photographer questions what it means to be a black South African today. The project started with an idea of the untold stories of urban black sports culture and black identity. Through his portraits, Buka highlights South African athletes – people who went through difficult circumstances, including the remnants of colonialism and Apartheid, when sports was considered a novelty for black people.

“During those dark times there was little, to no voice by black people for black people. These athletes used sports to give black culture an identity, which we still use as a reference in South African history,” says photographer. “The aim with the project is to challenge previously conceived ideas of South African black culture that have social and cultural impacts using clothes that were seen only being worn by only white people.”