“

Photography is the hardest mirror I’ve held up to myself. Your work is a reflection of your state of mind and reveals that to the world. That kind of honest self-observation takes a lot of courage. It takes a long time to peel back the layers of yourself and to show that to the world.

” 

Lee-Ann Olwage is a visual storyteller and photographic artist from South

Africa. Her work is all about identity, collaboration, and celebration. She is

interested in using the medium of photography as a mode of co-creation

and celebration. With her long-term projects, she aims to create a space

where people she collaborates with can play an active part in the creation

of images they feel tells their stories in a way that is affirming and

celebratory.

Awards

2020

World Press Photo Winner

Palm Photo Prize Nominee

Social Documentary Network AFRICA Spotlight

Marilyn Stafford FotoAward Shortlist

CAP Prize shortlist

International Photography Awards Honorable Mention

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2019

Blink Portfolio Review, New York

Native & IWMF Female Leadership Bootcamp Participant - Kenya

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2018

The Independent Photographer Portrait Finalist

2017
''Through My Eyes' Celebrating Female Photographers Winner
 

Exhibitions

World Press Photo

2020

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Head On Photo Festival

Sydney, Australia

2019

Unstill Life
Photo Katmandu, Nepal
2018

The Interrupters
Amplify Studio, Cape Town
 2017

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The Prison Freedom Project
Ongaro Studio, Cape Town
2016

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Silent Moments
Bello Studio, Cape Town

2014
 

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