“Northern District" is a series of photo stories delving into the intricate cycles of addiction, dominance, and dependency, within the community of Hillbrow. This project asserts Hillbrow not merely as a geographical location, but as a vibrant, albeit challenging, community defined by its transient population rather than generational roots. My aim is to illuminate these complex cycles and present them to a broader public, pinpointing both the specific conditions and the compelling personalities that shape them.
Through this work, I've had the privilege of witnessing the often-overlooked realities of daily life in Hillbrow. Beyond the usual scenes, I've discovered a multitude of inhabitants striving for survival, often unseen by everyday commuters and even their immediate neighbors. The neighborhood, with its bustling corridors, high-rise buildings, and surrounding spaces, serves as a dynamic backdrop for street hawkers, sex workers, and the pervasive gangster lifestyle. While there's tangible evidence of fear among migrant and temporary inhabitants—a fear that often leads to displacement—my primary focus remains on the people who inhabit these premises and their surroundings.
"Northern District" seeks to highlight the current realities within the myriad small corridors of Hillbrow's high-rise buildings. Here, individuals, groups, and even entire families find temporary homes, their presence shifting and evolving with circumstances. This project is a testament to their resilience, their struggles, and the often-unseen narratives that define their existence in this ever-changing urban landscape. It's an exploration of human experience, striving to bring the hidden stories of Hillbrow's inhabitants into the light.
