“
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.
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
World Press Photo
2020
Head On Photo Festival
Sydney, Australia
2019
Unstill Life
Photo Katmandu, Nepal
2018
The Interrupters
Amplify Studio, Cape Town
2017
The Prison Freedom Project
Ongaro Studio, Cape Town
2016
Silent Moments
Bello Studio, Cape Town
2014