Ayanda Kanise: South African documentary photographer exploring memory, identity, and culture

Ayanda Kanise is a South African media practitioner, filmmaker, and visual artist based in Johannesburg. His work explores memory, identity, culture, and the changing realities of contemporary South Africa through documentary and conceptual photography.

Inspired by the contrasts that shape everyday life, Kanise creates images that combine symbolism, portraiture, and visual storytelling. His process often begins with careful observation, using silhouettes, layered textures, and natural light to build photographs that encourage reflection. He also experiments with double exposure and text, drawing on South African language and culture to add another layer of meaning to his work.

Alongside photography, Kanise trained in Film and Motion Picture as a director and screenwriter. His filmmaking background continues to shape his approach to image-making, allowing him to create photographs that balance narrative with emotion.

Through his work, he hopes to evoke empathy, introspection, and memory while inviting viewers to slow down and connect with their own experiences.

How did you get started in photography?

My journey into photography began with my grandfather, Kgathi Legodi. A school principal with a deep appreciation for beauty, knowledge, and storytelling, he was the first person to place a camera in my hands.

He owned several cameras and taught me that photography was a way of preserving memory and understanding the world.

His influence inspired me to study Film and Motion Picture, where I trained as a director and screenwriter. Today, as a self-taught photographer, I draw from both filmmaking and photography to create work that reflects the complexities of South African identity, memory, and everyday life.

Everything I create is rooted in the curiosity and way of seeing that my grandfather passed on to me.

How would you describe yourself?

I am the sun: curious, warm, and constantly in motion.

I am driven by people, stories, and culture. I believe images can shape how we understand ourselves and the world around us. At my core, I am a lifelong learner, always seeking new perspectives, meaningful collaborations, and opportunities to grow as both an artist and a person.

What are the main themes that inspire your photography?

My work is inspired by memory, identity, spirituality, and the evolving South African experience.

Drawing from documentary and conceptual photography, I am interested in the quiet moments where personal histories intersect with broader social and cultural narratives. Through photography, I explore how we see ourselves, what we choose to remember, and how images can preserve stories that might otherwise be overlooked.

What moment in your career are you most proud of?

Some of my proudest milestones include being published by The Guardian, curating one of the Fede Arthouse exhibitions alongside friends, and showcasing the work of internationally recognised artists such as Andile Dyalvane and Tony Gum.

Another important milestone was contributing as one of the writers for Tshedza Pictures' Emmy Award-winning production, CHAMPIONS Season 1.

Most recently, I was selected as a FRESH EYES x Hungry Eye 2026 Vol. 2 Winner, which marked another meaningful step in my creative journey.

What is the biggest challenge you've faced as a photographer?

One of the biggest challenges I have faced has been navigating the contemporary art world without consistent mentorship.

As a Generation Z artist, social media often encourages comparison, making it easy to lose sight of your own creative journey.

Funding my practice has also been challenging. Producing, printing, and framing photographs requires resources that many emerging artists do not always have access to, and finding sustainable platforms to exhibit and sell my work takes time.

These experiences have taught me to be resourceful, patient, and intentional. I have learned that a sustainable artistic career grows through community, consistency, and the continuous creation of meaningful work.

What type of photography do you specialise in?

I specialise in contemporary documentary photography with a conceptual approach, creating images that sit between documentation and visual storytelling.

Over time, my work has evolved from recording moments to creating photographs that invite reflection and multiple interpretations. Today, I use symbolism and composition to explore history, culture, and belonging through everyday experiences.

What is your primary commercial niche?

My primary commercial niche is documentary and editorial photography, with a focus on arts, culture, and lifestyle.

What is your unique technical or visual approach?

My approach is rooted in storytelling.

I use symbolism, layered textures, silhouettes, and double exposure to create photographs that carry emotional and cultural meaning. My background in filmmaking also shapes the way I compose images, allowing each frame to function as part of a larger narrative while remaining grounded in a single moment.

How is the photography and art space in South Africa?

South Africa's photography and contemporary art scene continues to grow through a new generation of artists exploring identity, memory, spirituality, and social justice across photography, film, installation, and multidisciplinary practices.

Independent galleries, residencies, and art fairs have created valuable opportunities for emerging artists to exhibit their work locally and internationally.

Sustained government investment remains limited, so many artists continue to rely on independent organisations, private foundations, international residencies, and self-initiated projects to build their practice.

What is one professional standard you never compromise on?

Every photograph I create is guided by honesty, respect for my subjects, and a commitment to telling stories with care and intention.

What do you think of the 54Ruum platform?

I see 54Ruum as an important platform for African photographers to connect, collaborate, and grow. I admire its commitment to championing emerging and established photographers while creating meaningful conversations around photography. I believe it plays an important role in strengthening the creative ecosystem across the continent."