'Ballade' series by Michelle Sank on view at Koop Projects

Blessing and Kiki from the ‘Ballade’ series by Michelle Sank

Michelle Sank and her exquisite series ‘Ballade’ will be on view at Koop Projects in Brighton.

The exhibition opens on 15th June 2023, in presence of the Artist.

Zenande, Sinawe, Zinathi, Buhle and Saneliswe from the ‘Ballade’ series by Michelle Sank

In the afterword to her book "Becoming", the photographer David Goldblatt, wrote of Sank's ability to capture the essence of her subjects: "They seem, completely, themselves; Sank has allowed each of them simply to be. Yet it is not a passive state, something has been evoked that seems to come from deep within. Does it come from her interaction with the subject, or ‘simply’ from a kind of hyper-awareness of what is there? I don’t know." 

Jermaine from the ‘Ballade’ series by Michelle Sank

“My strongest memories are of the Sea Point Promenade in Cape Town and its accompanying Pavilion swimming pool where I frequented the long walkway and its bordering vast grass areas through all of my formative years. I was born there, and my recall is one of tableaus transpiring through play, encounters and festivities. The pool, the walkway, the beaches and the green areas all served as stage sets within which diverse performances unfolded.

My bond continued when I made some of my very first photographs there as a student in South Africa. Returning to Cape Town in 2022, I was once again drawn to these spaces where little seems to have changed in terms of structure and recreation but existing now with a celebration of cultural and social diversity post Apartheid. 

This series is a testament to the wonderment of this place enhanced by the African light and colour that is so much part of my heritage and persona.”

– M. Sank

Jason from the ‘Ballade’ series by Michelle Sank

The exhibition will be on view until 22nd July 2023, at Koop Projects in Kemptown, Brighton - a gallery focused on Contemporary African Art and Artists founded in 2022.