About the artist
Reatile Moalusi is a 40-year old South African artist from Roodepoort on Gauteng's West Rand, whose work uses photography to reevaluate, rediscover, and ultimately redefine what it means to be African. He studied at Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), where he graduated with a National Diploma in Photography, class of 2013.
Moalusi employs photography to highlight various social issues in and around South Africa, drawing parallels to global concerns. People of African descent and individuals of colour often grapple with challenges related to identity and beauty. These identity struggles can stem from factors such as disconnection from one's roots and a lack of understanding of one's own history. In terms of beauty, conventional standards often marginalise darker-skinned individuals.
Moalusi aspires to master narrative-based photography, aiming to shed light on social issues that urgently need recognition. His work strives to foster awareness by creating compelling images that engage the audience deeply, encouraging them to reflect sincerely and inspire change in their own communities.
Pigment 3
Photography - 2017
This photograph is part of a series of portraits that Moalusi created for his 2019 solo exhibition at the Absa Gallery, titled Molelo Wa Badimo?
In this series, Moalusi shared the perspectives of individuals living with vitiligo, a skin condition that leads to depigmentation in patches. Moalusi aimed to challenge and dispel myths surrounding vitiligo while documenting the life experiences of his subjects through collaborative character portrait photography.
His work raises awareness about the condition, addressing misconceptions by highlighting themes of beauty, identity, and self-acceptance, ultimately seeking to shift societal narratives about vitiligo. Through his art, he hopes to inspire a renewed conversation about beauty.
Pigment 2
Photography - 2017
This photograph is part of a series of portraits that Moalusi created for his 2019 solo exhibition at the Absa Gallery, titled Molelo Wa Badimo?
In this series, Moalusi shared the perspectives of individuals living with vitiligo, a skin condition that leads to depigmentation in patches. Moalusi aimed to challenge and dispel myths surrounding vitiligo while documenting the life experiences of his subjects through collaborative character portrait photography.
His work raises awareness about the condition, addressing misconceptions by highlighting themes of beauty, identity, and self-acceptance, ultimately seeking to shift societal narratives about vitiligo. Through his art, he hopes to inspire a renewed conversation about beauty.
Pigment. Busi Khayile - Taking direction from her Mom
Photography - 2017
This photograph is part of a series of portraits that Moalusi created for his 2019 solo exhibition at the Absa Gallery, titled Molelo Wa Badimo?
In this series, Moalusi shared the perspectives of individuals living with vitiligo, a skin condition that leads to depigmentation in patches. Moalusi aimed to challenge and dispel myths surrounding vitiligo while documenting the life experiences of his subjects through collaborative character portrait photography.
His work raises awareness about the condition, addressing misconceptions by highlighting themes of beauty, identity, and self-acceptance, ultimately seeking to shift societal narratives about vitiligo. Through his art, he hopes to inspire a renewed conversation about beauty.
Complexion. Kent's Chin
Photography - 2012
This photograph is part of a series of portraits that Moalusi created for his 2019 solo exhibition at the Absa Gallery, titled Molelo Wa Badimo?
In this series, Moalusi shared the perspectives of individuals living with vitiligo, a skin condition that leads to depigmentation in patches. Moalusi aimed to challenge and dispel myths surrounding vitiligo while documenting the life experiences of his subjects through collaborative character portrait photography.
His work raises awareness about the condition, addressing misconceptions by highlighting themes of beauty, identity, and self-acceptance, ultimately seeking to shift societal narratives about vitiligo. Through his art, he hopes to inspire a renewed conversation about beauty.
