Thero Makepe Contemporary Lens-Based Artist and Photographer

Thero Makepe is a lens-based artist focusing on the shared histories and socio-political landscapes of South Africa and Botswana. His work, often described as visual jazz, explores complex themes including migration, memory, and the politics of seeing. Thero Makepe's practice involves documenting contemporary realities and historical narratives, as seen in projects like We Didn't Choose to be Born Here and Under Surveillance. His recent exhibitions include showcases at the Lemkus Gallery in Cape Town, South Africa, which featured pieces like Phomolo Sello and Matlapana Bridge. Makepe’s work has garnered significant critical attention, with features in prestigious publications such as Aperture, Contemporary And, and The Story Editorial. In these articles, critics like Kwanele Sosibo and Vamika Sinha have highlighted his ability to illuminate shared histories and navigate the nuances of migration. Notable individual works include Broken Hearts (2024), Half Moon in Ivry (2023), and the multi-generational study Daughter, Mother & Grandmother (1935- Present) II. By examining the intersections of identity and place, Thero Makepe contributes a vital perspective to contemporary photography and visual media in Southern Africa. His approach combines documentary techniques with a fine art sensibility, capturing the essence of cultural continuity and the fractures caused by displacement.