'The Grass is Burning'

Photographer Martine Kolner (Kairos Photography) went to South Africa on a number of occasions on behalf of SEEtrust. She photographed the living and working conditions of people in settlements and townships twenty years after Apartheid. Pictures were taken in Diepsloot, Princess Crossing, Orange Farm, Soweto, Alexandra, Ivory Park (Johannesburg) and Langkloof (Drakensberg). SEEtrust is actively involved with women and youth at various locations, contributing towards a healthy development of existing social initiatives. Martine’s work shows the initiators and their social enterprises, registering daily life, work, culture and religion of the inhabitants of these areas.

'The Grass is Burning' shows careful optimism. It shows hope and life energy, demonstrating how people make a living and how individuals and small organisations work to improve life. Countless private and public initiatives exists where people work together across what used to be and in many cases still are social, economical, racial and cultural divides. Time and effort are required to bridge the still existing differences. The Slash&Burn series is symbolic for current day South Africa: making progress in a societal context of dormant fires which can either die down or flare up unexpectedly.

The exhibition consists of more than 100 photos, covering 14 different themes. Most of the themes deal with the setting in which people in the townships live and work. Three series focus on projects where SEEtrust plays an active part: Strong Women, Springtime and Tshepang.

The exhibition in Johannesburg will show a selection of 30 photographs. The book 'The Grass is Burning' gives an overview of the entire exhibition and is available at the three venues. Both book and photographs are for sale. All proceeds will go to SEEtrust projects.

11 August - 22 September