This essay is an exploration around the Yeoville Market. The idea is to rescue the history of this place who is so culturaly rich. However, is located in a neighborhood 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 art.
Thethe 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.
This project ended up in a public exhibition and a book publication called [email protected] held on 29th May 2019, in Yeoville (Johannesburg).
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Yeoville Market life seen from outside. The streets around the market also have commercial activity.
The clothing section passenger inside the Market.
Details of the informal emerging market.
Thethe, tailor from Congo and owner of her shop inside the Yeoville Market.
Thethe, tailor from Congo and owner of her shop inside the Yeoville Market.
Thethe measuring her client, in order to produce an unique outfit.
Thethe’s shop seen from the other side, in the end of the day. She is carrying her son Gersho in her back, to
walk back home.
Sunday is the day-off and time to go to church. The service starts at 13h.
Thethe prays and sings with Gersho sleeping in her arms at Valley Community Church, in Bezuidenhout Valley – Johannesburg.
End of the servie, 19h30 in the evening.
Back to the Market. Work tools.
Guerschom is Thethe’s son and he comes everyday to the market. The passengers and vendor’s stalls are his
playground and all objects can be a new toy.
Thethe, hands-on. Producing dresses, and fixing outfits for her clients.
Khanyisile, the bride. Using part of her outfit made by Thethe during her tradicional wedding ceremony in Soweto.
