Artist Talk: Lebohang Kganye – The Uncompromising Force of Contemporary South African Art

Memory, myths and a world of magic

In November, a very special exhibition opens at Fotografiska. Lebohang Kganye (born 1990) is an internationally acclaimed South African artist who gives photography a new dimension, creating spatial narratives and life-size worlds from images. Her approach is entirely her own, her artistic style among the most compelling, and her work centres on the multilayered stories of postcolonial history.

At the exhibition “Le Sale ka Kgotso” at Fotografiska, visitors step into a spatial world. The stories draw on South African folklore, while recurring motifs and beliefs familiar around the world show how stories from cultures that may seem different at first can grow from surprisingly similar fears, warnings and imaginings.

Artist Talk

At this opening conversation with the artist, we’ll explore parallels between cultures. We’ll talk about family memory and heritage, and consider what home means in both personal and collective memory. We’ll ask how stories passed down through generations in folklore and oral tradition shape our own stories, no matter which part of the world we are born in. Of course, we’ll also discuss the artist’s distinctive practice, in which photography, sculpture and scenography come together to create a spatial experience.

The conversation with the artist will be hosted by Elo Aun, Fotografiska’s ambassador for thought-provoking conversations and a guide.

– The conversation will be held in English in the hall on Fotografiska’s 1st floor.
– The ticket to the conversation evening also includes admission to the exhibitions.
– If needed or preferred, visitors can use the lift to move between floors.
– Please note that the conversation may sometimes run a little over its scheduled time—interesting conversations do not always fit neatly into the allotted time.

The evening continues with a dinner inspired by South African culture, wines and food at Fotografiska’s restaurant (separate ticket required).

LEBOHANG KGANYE
“Le Sale ka Kgotso”, 6 November 2026 – 7 March 2027

The exhibition “Le Sale ka Kgotso” by South African artist Lebohang Kganye explores home as a place where security and unease, family memories, mythology and folklore intertwine. Combining photography, sculpture and scenography in a distinctive way, Kganye creates life-size staged worlds in which the photograph steps beyond its usual frame and becomes a spatial experience.