November 10, 2004
By Ndaba Dlamini
A PHOTOGRAPHIC exhibition exploring the environs of the Drill Hall and the personal journeys of several inner city photographers was launched at the historic venue in Joubert Park on Sunday 7 November.
The exhibition, to run until 7 December, was officially opened by Steven Sack, Johannesburg's director of arts and culture.
Drill Hall has been transformed into a 'living space'
"The exhibition forms part of the Drill Hall rejuvenation drive, a call to the public to remember our history. The whole idea is to turn this space into a public education programme that will benefit local people who live in the Joubert Park neighbourhood," he said.
The project is one of a series of outreach programmes initiated by the Market Photography Workshop and developed in partnership with the Joubert Park Project (JPP), an independent non-profit making initiative located at the Drill Hall and which aims to boost the cultural life of the Joubert Part precinct.
According to Dorothee Kreutzfeldt, a member of the JPP, the exhibition represents the outcome of a four-week photography workshop involving 15 young people from the Joubert Park area.
"Participants were introduced to the basics of photography and visual literacy, while exploring the environment of the Drill Hall as well as their personal journeys to Johannesburg. In the process, issues around identity and representation in the media, how to portray one's relationship with loved ones, communities and society were discussed."
Kreutzfeldt said most of the participants arrived in Johannesburg from rural areas, looking for employment and better education. "Others remember visiting Jozi as children to buy clothes with their parents and visiting their brothers and sisters who lived in the flats. Most of the participants were using a camera for the first time."
Kreutzfeldt, Oupa Nkosi, Iqbal Tladi and Keorapetse Mosimane, from the Market Photography Workshop, set up the workshop.
One of the participants, Isaac T Mavuso, from the Youth Empowerment Network, said the workshop helped him become aware of the "little things" that one wouldn't normally notice in everyday life.
"As part of the workshop, we took pictures of buildings and everyday life in the inner city as part of memory capturing - and history making. We were able to capture and tell stories of Joubert Park and its surrounding areas, using these pictures. The life of the photographer is also captured and featured in the pictures. To me, photography is one very beautiful visual art," Mavuso said with a smile.
Other participants included Martin Sithole, Bertha Madue, Sakhile Madi, Mbongeni Ncube, Sibusiso Ndlovu, Pinky Joxo, Mampho Mofokeng, Herald Dyasi, Sifiso Hlongwa, Patrick Ndlovu, Patrick Singo, Jabu Tshuma, Dintsi Mphahlele and Lehodi Pitso.
All were awarded certificates for completing the course. "The certificate is actually a document that shows that they have gone through the basics of photography and visual literacy, a gesture that will help them get to school," explained Kreutzfeldt.
Visitors to the exhibition were also given a sneak preview of another upcoming exhibition, "Drill Hall: Past and Present". This exhibition forms the first part of a permanent exhibition exploring the Drill Hall's fascinating history from 1904 to the present day.
"Best known for hosting the 1956 Treason Trials, the Drill Hall has played a crucial, if at times 'invisible' role in the conflicted, often wondrous and explosive development of Johannesburg. Conceptualised by the JPP and developed with mosaic artists from the Boitumelo Hillbrow Outreach Project and sign-writers from the Creative Inner City Initiative (CICI), the exhibition includes a large-scale mosaic and series of painted displays that reflect the complex story of the Drill Hall. In addition, architect Michael Hart is displaying a visual summary of the conservation plan for the Drill Hall, which has defined the use of the site today," says Kreutzfeldt.
During the exhibition, visitors were treated to lyrical poetry from Ghetto Goddess and Lerato Ramasike, who belted out an appropriate verse about the Drill Hall, called "Trial by Fire".
Sack commended the JPP for its actions in transforming the Drill Hall into a "living space".
"The JPP has been doing important work in turning this space into a venue for the rest of the city to visit. It has been quite a process to reclaim this space, (but it was achieved) thanks to the efforts of the Johannesburg Development Agency, who identified this place of significance as a development opportunity," said Sack.
The Drill Hall, previously a fortressed military base, was abandoned in the 1990s and was invaded by squatters. It became home to more than 500 people who lived in appalling conditions. Between 1991 and 1993 the building burnt down twice.
"Through the efforts of the South African Heritage Resources Agency, the City of Johannesburg and the Johannesburg Development Agency, it stands today as a renovated public square," said Kreutzfeldt.
An elated Kreutzfeldt said the project promised to be a resounding success. "I am very pleased with the turnout on Sunday, as well as the energy and enthusiasm that visitors expressed. For us, it was the very first event and proved that there is genuine interest and a broad audience."
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