“
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 tell their stories in a way that is affirming and celebratory.
2021
Bob & Diane Mentorship Grant
Winner of This Is Gender
Pride Photo Award
Sienna International Photography Awards
Royal Photographic Society Exhibition
PHmuseum Documentary Masterclass
Marilyn Stafford FotoAward Shortlist
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
2019
Blink Portfolio Review, New York
Native & IWMF Female Leadership Bootcamp Participant - Kenya
2018
The Independent Photographer Portrait Finalist
2017
''Through My Eyes' Celebrating Female Photographers Winner
2021
Deichtorhallen Hamburg Family Affairs
Pride Photo Award Netherlands
Aspire X PLP African Photography Auction
2020
World Press Photo
Athens Photo Festival
2019
Head On Photo Festival
2018
Unstill Life
Photo Katmandu Nepal
2017
The Interrupters
Amplify Studio, Cape Town
2016
The Prison Freedom Project
Ongaro Studio, Cape Town
2014
Silent Moments
Bello Studio, Cape Town