Notes

Bieber began her photographic career with three courses at the Market Photography Workshop in Johannesburg, followed by a training program at the Star newspaper. She has earned a variety of awards for her vivid and arresting documentary photographs, including a prestigious first prize from World Press Photo for One two three and … Her photo of Bibi Aisha appeared on the cover of Time Magazine and was awarded World Press Photo of the Year in 2010. Bieber is also highly acclaimed for her series of works including Real Beauty, Soweto, Las Canas and Between Dogs and Wolves. A major travelling exhibition of her work was shown at Wits Art Museum in 2014.

One two three and ... is a celebratory and uplifting image that captures the promise of post-apartheid South Africa. The photograph was taken at a dance academy in Ennerdale, a historically ‘coloured’ Johannesburg suburb. Bieber sensitively captures a group of children during a ballroom dance lesson, with the children presenting themselves as confident and self-assured, and suggesting new opportunities for an emerging generation of young South Africans.

Provenance

Donated by the artist