THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS

PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHER VIOLETA SOFIA CAPTURES IMAGES THAT IMMORTALISE NOT ONLY THE PHYSICAL APPEARANCE OF HER SUBJECTS, BUT THEIR EMOTIONS, STORIES AND INNER BEAUTY, TOO

BORN IN CAMEROON AND NOW LIVING IN LONDON, Violeta once gave serious consideration to a career as a pilot. She’d always loved the arts, but worried that it was more a personal passion than a realistic career option. Courage and unwavering interest led her towards creative pursuits and today, Violeta is a renowned artist. She is currently participating in a threeyear-long project sponsored by Chanel, called Reframing Narratives: Women in Portraiture, at the National Portrait Gallery in London. She’s also busy preparing for a September exhibition in collaboration with the English National Opera.

“Photography became a passion after my father, an avid photography enthusiast himself, introduced me to it. But then I faced conflicting advice regarding my career aspirations. While my passion lay in artistic pursuits, the prevailing sentiment in school was for a more conventional path. This contradictory guidance left me utterly perplexed when it came to my future career trajectory.

It took a considerable amount of time to fully identify and embrace my calling, but I finally did. Occasionally, I can’t help but wonder how my career might have unfolded if I had received the right support and guidance from an early age. Would my path have been more straightforward and fulfilling? Would my mind have been a bit less confused and more resolute?

Fortunately, I had the unwavering support of both my parents, which proved to be an invaluable source of encouragement throughout my journey.

What captivates me about portraits is their timeless nature. They transcend the fleeting fashion trends and societal norms. It’s truly fascinating to witness my pictures resurfacing and being reused in publications, even after several years have passed. Portraits seem to have a way of enduring, carrying the essence of the sitter with them through time.

A pivotal career moment for me was when I photographed George Clooney in 2021. I was getting busier, and in that instant, I made the decision to let go of all my other job commitments –which included teaching – in order to concentrate solely on being an artist and a photographer. This decision alone opened so many doors and led to me being signed by multiple prestigious photography agencies.

In recent times, I’ve found myself drawn to the works of the old masters. Growing up, I never appreciated their art; it felt distant, with no connection to my own identity. It’s quite ironic how my previous disdain has transformed into a deep appreciation as I now embark on creating my own unique interpretations of these timeless masterpieces.

Resilience and determination play a pivotal role in my work, driving me to excel. My unwavering passion and inability to imagine my life without storytelling, creativity and artistic expression all fuel my success.

One of the most important aspects for me to prioritise is my mental health. As a freelance photographer, it’s very easy to get caught up in the many demands of projects and forget to take care of myself and live a fulfilling life beyond just work. I try to find a balance and remember that taking care of my mental wellbeing is as important as professional success.

I like to try and approach life in an organic manner and avoid setting rigid goals that revolve around very specific timelines. Instead, I believe in the power of visualisation and the influence that our thoughts can have on shaping our lives.”

QUICK-FIRE FAVOURITES

Drink of choice: A green smoothie. Background music: Shazam playlist. Most-used gadget: Fuji x100Vcamera. Best way to destress: Yoga and kickboxing. Dream destination: Zanzibar.

The Eye Of The Beholder

FROM BRONZE TOTEMS AND INK PAINTINGS TO DEBRIS TURNED INTO ARTEFACTS, TREVYN MCGOWAN AIMS TO MAKE IT EASIER FOR BUYERS TO ACCESS AND PURCHASE ARTWORKS THEY LOVE

IN HER PREVIOUS CAREER running an interior and architectural practice, Trevyn took on renovations and redevelopments for big-name clients like Sir Ian McKellan, Gerald Butler and Rachel Wiesz. In some ways, personal spaces still dominate in her current job as CEO of Southern Guild. Except now she’s helping artists get their works into homes, offices and hotels. Trevyn founded the gallery in 2008 after moving back to South Africa having spent just over two decades in London. Passionate about creating platforms for the diverse African narratives, this September she’ll be leading the gallery’s first exhibit at The Armory Show in New York City. It’s yet another notable achievement, alongside starting GUILD, Africa’s first international design fair, which was launched in Cape Town in 2014, and numerous acknowledgements such as being listed in USA Art + Auction magazine’s ‘POWER 100’.

“I initially wanted to be a film director or producer. Running the gallery and producing exhibitions, events and fairs has many of the same qualities and requires similar expertise, so I feel that this ambition has been fulfilled in certain aspects.

Energy, intensity and collaborative force all help me thrive. I love a busy, peoplepacked environment – we have five kids and two dogs, and the house is always filled with friends of all ages. I love brainstorming sessions and team presentations with their electric atmosphere and the dynamism of differing viewpoints. I also enjoy exhibition set-ups with the pressure of an opening deadline and everyone called to bring their best game.

Resources that are integral to my success have been my COO Sarah Dawson, the ability to combat fear and my overriding sense of optimism. I hope the fact that I really care about how people feel has also been a contributor.

Andile Dyalvane’s solo exhibition, iThongo, has been a huge source of inspiration to me. We premiered the collection in his home village of Ngobozana in the Eastern Cape before it showed in the Cape Town gallery, followed by New York. Andile’s intrinsic connection to his ancestors and his desire for healing the wounds that were afflicted on them – and on all of us – have been a guiding inspiration for me when it comes to the role art can play at a deep soul level.

A goal we are working towards right now is opening a US gallery in February 2024. I had a very clear epiphany at the end of 2022 for space abroad. So we went to Los

Angeles and signed the lease on a 500sqm gallery in East Hollywood. We will become the first South African gallery to have a full-time US gallery in the most exciting new art hub on the West Coast. As one of the drivers for the evolution of Southern Guild, it propels so many of the goals and dreams we have for the self-defined category in which we work. We can’t wait to see how our artists and programme will be received.”

QUICK-FIRE FAVOURITES

Brunch spot: My bed on a Saturday morning with my kids, unpacking their Friday night. Weekend getaway destination: Dar el Qamar in Tulbagh. Most helpful app: WhatsApp, to stay in constant comms. Media consumption: For a podcast, Nancy Kline’s Time to Think and a current read is On Connection by Kae Tempest. Daily ritual: Early morning walk with my dogs on the Constantia greenbelt while listening to podcasts that get me ready for the day.