Sharday Swanepoel

Sharday Swanepoel (b. 1986, Durban) is a visionary South African photographic artist who resides in he small coastal village of Kommetjie, just outside Cape Town. Raised in Durban, Sharday's journey with photography began at a young age, capturing momens of her family anf friends. With a degree in Architectural Studies, her deep understanding of light and space soon led her to the world of photography, where she discovered her passion for sculpting with light.

As a self-taught artist, Sharday's work delves into the juxtaposition of childhood wonder and mundane domestic life, revealing the uncensored realities of motherhood through intimate and evocative imagery. Her photographs combine digital and analogue techniques, reminiscent of the timeless family photo album, and evoke a sense of nostalgia and melancholy. Themes of social issues, personal identity, and memory are intricately woven into her work, exploring the notion of "this too shall pass," a sentiment often experienced by mothers navigating the challenges of raising children.

Sharday's artistry has earned her recognition within the photographic community, with her work being showcased in various group exhibitions. Notable exhibitions include the 2023 Portrait Show hosted by Through The Lens Collective and 'The Wildest Most Beautiful Ugly,' hosted by Too Tired Project and Open Studio Kommetjie in 2023. As a stay-at-home mother of four, Sharday's photography serves as a means of documenting and preserving her own stories, as well as those of others, creating a powerful narrative that resonates with many.

Sharday Swanepoel's work is an introspective exploration of the human experience, capturing the beauty and complexity of life's fleeting moments through her lens.