EThekwini Municipality
I Make Durban Great campaign is a visual celebration of the lives of men and women who continue to shape the atmosphere of Durban City for the better. With so much focus on the achievements of celebrities and media personalities, the project seeks to celebrate and motivate hard-working everyday Durbanites who continuously make a difference away from the spotlight. This is a collection of a few individuals profiled for the project
Words by X on Art Direction
This concept is a unique cross disciplinary project that combines fine art portraiture photography, short film, written narrative and digital medium execution. From initiating concept origination, I proposed the idea to the creative pairing of Mandisa Buthelezi (photographer) and Mdumisi Nxele (cinematographer) as a black and white photorealism series that would use this contrasting colour palette to guide the audiences focus towards the narrative and artistic potential of the project, rather than playing to the sometimes distractiong quality that colour can sometimes convey in work. Through combining engaging intimate photographic imagery with minimalistic usage of typography, the process of relevant image selection and smart usage of white space and contrast to evoke emotion were the main goals of art direction and graphic design. The project will culminate in the release of an art exhibition and book dedicated to the works of the people of Durban City.
This concept is a unique cross disciplinary project that combines fine art portraiture photography, short film, written narrative and digital medium execution. From initiating concept origination, I proposed the idea to the creative pairing of Mandisa Buthelezi (photographer) and Mdumisi Nxele (cinematographer) as a black and white photorealism series that would use this contrasting colour palette to guide the audiences focus towards the narrative and artistic potential of the project, rather than playing to the sometimes distractiong quality that colour can sometimes convey in work. Through combining engaging intimate photographic imagery with minimalistic usage of typography, the process of relevant image selection and smart usage of white space and contrast to evoke emotion were the main goals of art direction and graphic design. The project will culminate in the release of an art exhibition and book dedicated to the works of the people of Durban City.
Art Direction // Cebo Simphiwe Xulu
Photography // Mandisa Buthelezi
Cinematography // Mdumisi Nxele
Rasta // Nkosinathi Mbambo / Community Shoe Tailor in Umlazi Township
Hart Break Kidd // Nthutuko Madondo / Hip Hop Music Artist & Street Culture Enthusiast
Sensei // Karate For You Goju Ryu / Local karate club in the Glenwood area of Durban
IMDG Project Book sample & web documentary promo
