The exhibition title “The Envisioned Self” is taken from Steve Biko’s sentiment as a free self, a state that he believed black people needed to achieve during Apartheid. For Mahlatsi, this notion makes one question oneself as a black person in South Africa today. Here, he positions his subjects in a literal attempt to envision themselves by closing their eyes to project an alternative state of being. Mahlatsi questions the contrast between past and present in terms of Biko’s “Envisioned Self” as its inception during apartheid and its significance at that time, and what it means today.  Mahlatsi makes subtle references to history as a backdrop against which the present context of human rights can be brought into question. The monochromatic images index a history of black and white photography, particularly during Apartheid, as both a documentary format and an artistic expression. 

In terms of place, this body of work is photographed in Katlehong township, east of Johannesburg. It was established during the 1950s as integral to the Apartheid government’s drive to forcibly remove non-white residents to create and control a migratory labour force. Mahlatsi grew up in Katlehong, and as such, his work is rooted in his sense of place because it is part of the fabric of his identity. He takes it with him, no matter where he travels. The subjects of Mahlatsi’s work are, for him, portraits of that place as they come to represent Katlehong, and in turn, Katlehong forms the backdrop to their identities. 

In his work, people are represented through his interpretation of how they are affected directly or indirectly by post-apartheid structures through the geographical limitations of the locations- how they are set apart from the main city districts. The limitations of access to education and the effects of this on job opportunities are also significant in his works as they represent the contemporary solution to jobless homes and challenge the gender roles within the family and societal structure. This geographical displacement has a political influence on the works which leads to the next theme of politics. 

The aftermath of the trappings of segregation has had long-term effects where the psychological play on the worth and value of oneself within society is questioned every day, in the present moment. Conceptually, this sheds light on anti-apartheid activist Steve Biko’s Black Consciousness Movement which was aimed at mentally awakening the black mind and freeing it from the shackles of apartheid.  

This exhibition explores the contrast between the violation of human rights in the past and how that affects the present. It also questions the notion and position of the self within society, particularly against the backdrop of adversities of history and the collapsing political structures of the present day and its subsequent effects on society.