About
Documentary Photographer | Visual Artist | Creative Mentor
Zizo Bongekile Manona, is a South African documentary photographer and visual artist, she creates art across multiple disciplines, including documentary photography, graphic design, digital vector art, and illustration, reflecting her multifaceted approach to visual expression.
She deliberately shoots her documentaries in black and white, both as a preservation method and as a tribute to the nostalgic tradition of capturing imagery and places. In contrast, her illustrations and street art blend typography with bold imagery, incorporating vibrant colors that stand in stark contrast to the monochromatic nature of her photographic work.
“My work explores people, places, and lived narratives. Through photography and visual storytelling, I engage with communities to document moments that matter. I am interested in preserving experiences as they unfold, allowing them to be remembered, shared, and felt long after they happen. My practice is about listening, observing, and translating everyday life into visual forms that hold meaning.”
Documentary Photographer, Visual Artist & Creative Mentor
In addition to showcasing her work at events such as Sneaker Exchange, venues and gallery spaces such as Artscape, 6 Spin, and AVA, Zizo has also actively participated in a Design Hackathon. Furthermore, her achievements include being selected for the Chivas and Laduma Ngxokolo Business Talks, as well as being included in the Design Indaba Design Directory, and project commissions with the likes of Baz-Art, VcA and her work with Inkcubeko Nezobugcisa.
EXHIBITIONS & CV
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Solo
2017 F&P Central Library, Cape Town
2018 Through my eyes, Central Library, Cape Town
GROUP
2014 Knobbs & Tassels Showcase, Woodstock, Cape Town
2015 Photography Exhibition, Kings Hotel Cape Town
2017 Knobbs & Tassels Showcase, Woodstock, Cape Town
2017 Youngblood Gallery
2018 AVA Gallery
2018 Fugly Art Gallery, Khayelitsha, Cape Town
2018 New Voices, 6 Spin Street, Cape Town
2018 Nicky exhibition, Castle of GoodHope, Cape Town
2019 Artscape
COMMISSIONS
2021 IPAF, Salt River, Cape Town
2021 “WoW”, Langa, Cape Town
2021 “WoW’’, Bulungula, Xhora, Eastern Cape
LECTURES, PRESENTATIONS & WORKSHOPS
2023 AMLD Africa Submission Reviewer
2022 McKinsey Africa Professional Development
2020 DSLR Workshop, Inkcubeko Nezobugcisa, Woodstock, Cape Town
2021 Graphic Design Workshop, Inkcubeko Nezobugcisa, Woodstock, Cape Town
2022 Academic Presentation Photo Editing, Red & Yellow School, Cape Town
2026 Western Cape Cultural Affairs Awards Most Innovative Contribution in Film, Audio-Visual, Interactive Media and Photography (Inkcubeko)
TEACHING
Through her work with Inkcubeko Nezobugcisa and other arts organisations, Zizo has been involved in mentorship initiatives across visual arts, literary arts, performance and fashion, with a focus on empowerment and community engagement.
