Zwelethu Mthethwa, a significant figure in the post-Apartheid South African photography scene, has garnered international acclaim through his poignant portraits that present black South Africans as dignified and resilient despite socioeconomic challenges. Born in 1960 in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, Mthethwa's educational journey took him from the Michaelis School of Fine Art, University of Cape Town, to the Rochester Institute of Technology in the United States, thanks to a Fulbright Scholarship. Mthethwa's photography and art navigate various aspects of life in South Africa, ranging from domestic life to broader environmental, labor, and landscape issues, challenging the "Afro-pessimism" that characterized earlier portrayals of the continent ​​.

‍

Mthethwa's contribution to the art world extends beyond his captivating portraits; he has been involved in over thirty-five international solo exhibitions, group shows, including the Venice Biennale and Snap Judgments at the International Center of Photography, New York. His first comprehensive monograph showcases his innovative approach that has significantly influenced the trajectory of South African photography post-1994, framing his subjects in environments that reflect their personal and communal identities, from urban to rural settings​​.

‍