“This is an image of some of the girls from the Dr Van der Ross Primary drum majorettes team, known as ‘drummies’,” says Alice Mann, a South African artist currently based in London. “At the point the photo was taken, I had just started working with the team; I think this was my second visit to the school. Morisha, their coach, was showing me where they practiced. They were practicing some dancing moves. They are natural performers, and as a photographer, it was amazing to work with them. For me, this is an image that represents the beauty and innocence of these girls. I think it’s important to be aware of their circumstances. Many of them come from very disadvantaged homes, and they face many challenges in their lives. But for me, the pleasure that being in the ‘drummies’ teams gives them is encapsulated in this image. They are not defined by their circumstances.

“Photography has a long and complex history on the African continent. I feel that often there is a trend of reduction in the representation of African subjects: People are not portrayed in a way that expresses their agency or individuality. As a white South African photographer, I try to be very aware of my position, and I am constantly re-assessing the implications of my whiteness in relation to the people I photograph. I believe that images can be an empowering force, and I aim to explore notions of picture-making as an act of collaboration between photographer and subject. I try to present viewers with images that are reflective of the way people see themselves, that highlight my subjects’ dignity and confidence.

“I usually work over an extended period of time to create my image series, which helps create a deeper engagement with the people I photograph. So for me, it’s about using my awareness of my own position, and trying to engage deeply and meaningfully with my subjects in order to create nuanced narratives that challenge stereotypes.”



