|
|
|
| Lecture - Victor Matomu |
 |
| South African photographer Victor Matomu playing with his son Khaya |
Gentle giant from Soweto in South Africa, Victor Matomu, shared his love of photographing his rainbow country with Peace Boat participants. Following a slide show of the evocative images captured by Victor's lens in and around the township areas of Johannesburg, Victor discussed his work against the history of oppression and indignity experienced by black South Africans. 'We probably have more of a struggle now than before,' claimed Victor, who referred to the difficult challenges the nation faces in rediscovering and rebuilding itself after 350 years of colonisation and a devastating policy of apartheid. Victor's life as a photographer has evolved markedly since the days under white apartheid rule. In the past, he worked in fear of being arrested for shooting supposedly subversive material. Photo-journalists, as with others working in the media, were dictated what sort of subjects they could report on. Today, Victor still bears the scar from the bullet fired on him while photographing a political demonstration. However, he is able to freely devote himself to photographing whatever pleases him. Most of Victor's subjects are of ordinary people and their lives. His ability to capture expressions and moods as if people are unaware of his presence is trademark, and Victor attributes this to the fact that he often feels like he is a part of the goings on. Much of Victor's time is spent teaching children from the impoverished townships of Johannesburg about photography. Since some of his students are unable to attend school and have little chance to receive skill training, Victor's workshops, conducted in a disused cargo container, provide children with a supportive learning environment in which they can express themselves and also receive mentoring. Victor says the chance to talk with children about how they perceive their future is important. 'Giving them the assurance that as a human being, you can achieve what you want' is a message that this compassionate father of two conveys convincingly. Interestingly though, Victor says that if he were able to be re-born, he would like to become a doctor in order to help improve people's quality of life. |
|
| Peace Boat's
40th Voyage index |
|
|
 |
 |
 |
|
|
 |
PEACE BOAT is an NGO in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations. |
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
