Bent on breaking their cycle of pain
THE Interrupters is a photographic exhibition by Lee-Ann Olwage, showcasing powerful portraits of reformed gangsters and tells the stories of those who have changed their lives, against all odds.
These remarkable men are using their background and street credibility to work as professional violence interrupters as part of the CeaseFire initiative to reduce gang violence. They are changing the ending for themselves and their community, and they are proof that change is possible.
The aim of the exhibition is to tell these inspirational stories of change through powerful portraits and look at the social issues that contribute towards young men joining gangs.
The exhibition will act as a social campaign that looks at difficult social issues faced by the Cape Flats community, as well as provide positive solutions to these very problems.
CeaseFire interrupter Khiyaam Frey said one of the most difficult things about changing one’s life was that you would always get those people who would hold the past against you.
“People judge you on your tattoos. They call you a skollie. But even skollies can change,” said Frey.
The evening will be used to talk about the hard-hitting social issues that contribute towards gang violence and to take an honest look at what we, as society, can do to help these men who want to change their lives and the youth at risk.
CeaseFire has reduced gang violence by 43% in Hanover Park, one of the most violent neighbourhoods in Cape Town.
Perhaps it is time for a new approach in dealing with gangsterism, and we should rather look at treating the causes instead of the symptoms.
The subject of the work, the artwork and the viewer are often separated from each other.
The artist wants to challenge this sense of separation by having the subjects of the photographs as guests at the exhibition to blur these lines and give the viewer the chance to interact with the subject – thus breaking down social boundaries as well as blurring the lines between art, subject and viewer.
Born in Durban in 1986, Lee-Ann Olwage is a Cape Town-based photographer who believes in using the power of photography for social change. She tackles hard-hitting social issues through her work, but also aims to show positive solutions to these very problems.
Her previous work includes a project on the Black Mambas, an all-female anti-poaching unit, which is shaking things up in the conservation world.
Recently, her work has taken her into the heart of Pollsmoor Prison to document how yoga is helping with offender rehabilitation with her first solo exhibition titled The Prison Freedom Project.
Olwage has a way of portraying serious subjects through her eyes, casting them in a gentle light and finding the good in those who society has forgotten.
Her deep love for portraiture and the human condition drives her work, which is always focused on people. She seeks to capture the unguarded moment and the very essence of this human experience.
The exhibition opens at Amplify Studio in the CBD from June 1 to 8. For more information, call 087 470 0421 or e-mail Lee-Ann Olwage at leeann. olwage@gmail.com