The Contemporary African Photography (CAP) Prize has revealed its winners for 2024, showcasing five groundbreaking projects selected by a panel of 20 international judges. The distinguished artists recognized this year are Lina Geoushy, Ahmed Khirelsid, Tshepiso Moropa, Kriss Munsya, and Farren Van Wyk.
Established 13 years ago, the CAP Prize has grown to become a premier platform for showcasing Contemporary African Fine Art Photography. The prize highlights the richness of contemporary African photography, aiming to challenge prevailing narratives about the continent and promote diverse, authentic representations of African life and culture.
Lina Geoushy
Born in Cairo in 1990, Lina Geoushy is acclaimed for her project “Trailblazers: An Inquiry Into Egypt’s Feminist History.” Through a blend of socially engaged self-portraiture and digital intervention, Geoushy explores Egypt’s feminist past. Her work pays tribute to pioneering women like Doria Shafik, highlighting their struggles and achievements against the backdrop of historical cinematic portrayals and conservative contemporary realities.
Ahmed Khirelsid
Sudanese artist Ahmed Khirelsid, born in 2001, presents “Under Control,” a personal and poignant exploration of his experience amidst the turmoil of the Sudanese conflict. Documenting his forced displacement and adaptation, Khirelsid’s work reflects the psychological and emotional scars of war, shedding light on both personal trauma and broader political commentary.
Tshepiso Moropa
Tshepiso Moropa, born in 1995 in Pretoria, South Africa, unveils “Dineelwane,” inspired by Setswana folktales. This series aims to revive and preserve Setswana cultural heritage through art, celebrating traditional narratives and moral lessons. Moropa’s work bridges past and present, fostering a dialogue about cultural preservation and identity.
Kriss Munsya
Kinshasa-born Kriss Munsya, now based in Vancouver, Canada, explores themes of genetic legacy and social change in his project “Genetic Bomb.” Munsya’s work examines how positive societal impacts can alter genetic makeup and shape future generations, reflecting on personal and collective histories to envision a transformative future.
Farren Van Wyk
Farren Van Wyk, born in 1993 in Gqeberha, South Africa, and currently residing in Putten, Netherlands, presents “Mixedness is My Mythology.” This project delves into the intersections of South African and Dutch histories, exploring migration, ethnicity, and identity. Van Wyk’s use of black-and-white analogue photography reclaims and redefines mixed-race identity, creating a personal mythology that celebrates his heritage.
The CAP Prize continues to elevate and celebrate contemporary African photographers, offering them a global stage to share their unique perspectives and artistic visions. For more information on the winners and their projects, visit the CAP Prize website.