Mural Project
Mbusi Mzolo
The KZNSA Gallery’s outside wall now bears over 100 faces belonging to members of the Durban art-loving community. The faces were wheatpasted on Saturday 8 March, 2025; a week after the final day of the portrait party. The portrait party, as the name suggests, was a joyous occasion premised on the making of portraits. Burgeoning DJ collective Vinyl & Vibes scored the experience with an eclectic mix of chilled and upbeat tunes. The portrait party happened over two days Friday 28 February and Saturday 1 March. Contemporary Archive Project in partnership with The KZNSA Gallery and The ArtsResearchLab, celebrated the community that has kept, and continues to keep, the space alive. Six photographers, Paige Furness, Niamh Walsh-Vorster, Paulo Menezes, Gift Banda, Jerry Beaver and Gabriela Valdespino, donated their time to make over 200 portraits. All the public had to do was show up and smile for the camera. The collaborative and communal spirit was evident in all elements of the event from the administration to the actual making of the photographers. KZNSA Gallery staff and council members were working alongside the ARL and CAP team to give the people who came the best possible experience. Sitters were not restricted to having a portrait made by only one photographer, they had the option of moving around and each one of the six photographers could snap them up. The photographers contributed their distinct photographic style in the making of what would become a collection that tells a story of the importance of community. Keeping with the positive community building vibes, sitters were encouraged to donate any amount – the donated funds subsequently went towards the KZNSA Gallery’s relief fund. The portrait party attracted a diverse crowd; – this was evident in age, gender, race. What this mural project achieves is bringing everyone together for the love of art.
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Hi There, my name is Mandisa

Mandisa Buthelezi is a photographer and film director/producer who was raised in Durban and is currently based in Johannesburg, South Africa. With a vast portfolio that communicates the rural voice, and an appreciation and respect for the culture that has informed her perspective, she is keen on providing photographic and film content that is culturally centered and explores notions of identity and spirituality.

Cataloguing and documenting African culture through visual art has become an important component of her work through assignments.

Hi There, my name is Lindo

Photographer

Growing up in the township of KwaMashu in KwaZulu-Natal and attending primary school in the same town is one of the strongest memories I have about my neighbourhood. The times I spent with my late grandmother Miss Dombi Chiliza and the people I shared my life with at that moment in time in my early childhood, influence the work I create. “I can’t imagine a world without photography – capturing a unique moment in time that will never be repeated” (Gigi Williams).

Hi There, my name is Niamh

Co-Founder & Programme Director

Niamh Walsh-Vorster is a Durban-based writer, independent photographer, and creative producer. She graduated in 2014 with a BJourn from Rhodes University in Makhanda, South Africa.
Niamh is co-founder and editor of the award-winning e-zine, Ja. Magazine. She has exhibited photographic work in group shows at galleries, and independently in various public spaces. In 2016, Niamh was the recipient of a BASA Arts Journalism Award for her review in Ja. Magazine. She has worked with the Durban Center for Photography under the leadership of legendary AfraPix photographer, Peter McKenzie. She was part of the third Incubator Programme at The Market Photo Workshop, 2017 – 2018 in Johannesburg, mentored by Angela Buckland. More recently, Niamh was project manager of the ARTLAB Mentorship programme, which worked with 30 KZN-based creatives in photography, design, and fashion. She was mentor to 10 emerging photographers.