This essay is an exploration around the Yeoville Market. The idea is to rescue the history of this suburb. While culturally rich it is depredated by crime. The story I chose to portray is about a family – their motivations and challenges. The intention is to revitalize this heritage in some way through photography.
There is a strong woman, owner of a charming smile. She learned her still small profession with her mother at home. She speaks French as her mother tongue and 7 years ago moved from the Republic of Congo to Johannesburg, South Africa. In the meantime, her son Guerschom was born. They are inseparable, even when they are in church.
I like to think that it is because of him I chose to portray this story. I’ve changed my mind during the process, because after a few trips to the market and a few hours of socializing with them, I was sure that it was the little Guerschom who chose me as a photographer.
Not only him, but the colors, the beauty and the symbolism of every piece of clothing produced in this “atelier” made of so many stories.