Fashion_the Image Programming 

The exhibition opens to the public with a guided walkabout led by internationally renowned fashion photographer Koto Bolofo. The walkabout introduces the exhibition’s core themes, tracing the evolution of fashion photography in South Africa and its relationship to identity, authorship, and global visual culture.

As part of Johannesburg’s First Thursday programme, the Centre hosts an evening event combining a talk by Koto Bolofo with a live performance element presented by the Black Coffee fashion label. The event positions fashion photography within a broader cultural and performative context.

A guided exhibition walkabout led by the curators;
Sharon Armstrong, Aspasia Karras, Erica de Greef, Aya Magocoba, as well as Roger Ballen, offering deeper insight into the conceptual framework, selection of works, and historical references within Fashion_The Image.

A full-day programme of panel discussions exploring fashion, authorship, collaboration, and image-making in contemporary South Africa.

Featuring:
Shaldon Kopman | Naked Ape
Steve Tanchel & Themba Mokase
Rahim Rawjee & Aspasia Karras | Row G

An in-depth photography masterclass led by Paul Shiakallis. The masterclass focuses on fashion photography, portraiture, and professional practice.

A special runway presentation by The BAM Collective, activating the exhibition through live fashion and performance. The event explores the relationship between fashion, image, and spectacle.

A sculptural installation which reimagines the body as architecture shaped by connection. This living retrospective unites eight collaborators into one garment, challenging the idea of solitary creation and emphasizing shared influence, collective memory, and the intertwined threads that form artistic identity.

Transform a personal photograph into a pocket altar in this hands-on workshop exploring fashion, memory and identity. Using collage, fabric, beads and embroidery, create a miniature archive that deeply honours the people, clothing and stories shaping your personal style today.

A photography masterclass led by Aart Verrips

Visitors will then engage in a photography masterclass with exploring contemporary approaches to fashion and portrait photography from an African perspective.

A week-long, hands-on workshop led by Crystal Birch. Participants engage directly with craft, design, and making, expanding the exhibition’s focus beyond photography into material practice.

The second major conversation day reflects on legacy, education, publishing, and the future of fashion imagery.

Featuring:
Roger Ballen (to be confirmed)
Lisa Jaffe | Guillotine
Student Panel with Erica De Greef

The exhibition concludes with a week-long MAXHOSA retrospective celebrating 15 years of the brand. The programme includes a pop-up exhibition, talks, and a closing party marking the end of Fashion_The Image.