From the rural landscapes of Mamotintane, Limpopo, to the historic walls of the Hugh Exton Photographic Museum in Polokwane, Nthateng Sethemane is redefining how we see black beauty and identity. As a photographer and visual artist, she blends traditional African culture with modern pop culture, creating images that are both visually striking and deeply meaningful.
“I want my work to make black people feel seen, valued, heard and celebrated,” she says. This mission has been at the heart of her career, and it came into sharp focus with her first solo exhibition, Black Like Me, where she became the first black female and queer artist to exhibit at the museum since 1986.
The exhibition celebrates black skin, culture, and identity, challenging colonial and societal beauty standards that have long marginalized dark-skinned Africans. Each photograph is carefully crafted, with titles and imagery that carry their own significance. One standout, Sekgweng Se Botse, depicts a serene figure draped in white in a sunlit field, holding a newspaper celebrating women’s achievements. Another, Motho Moso, uses black-and-white contrast against vibrant colour to emphasize identity and cultural pride.
“Black Like Me is about embracing our differences and knowing that we are enough,” Nthateng explains. “I want people to walk away feeling empowered to celebrate their uniqueness.” Her approach to photography is rooted in storytelling — capturing images that encourage viewers to see themselves reflected in the world differently.
Growing up in Mamotintane, she says, taught her to explore and question the world around her. “Being from a rural area, I learned to appreciate natural beauty and preserved culture. It shaped the way I see things through the lens and the stories I want to tell.” Her work is not only about representation but also about challenging perceptions, breaking down barriers, and uplifting communities through art.
“I aim to celebrate dark-skinned beauty and inspire people to embrace themselves without feeling pressured to conform to unfair standards.”
Since her exhibition, Nthateng has continued to push boundaries, exploring themes of self-love, empowerment, and inclusivity. She emphasizes the importance of visibility for black queer creatives, supporting and amplifying each other’s voices to create a more inclusive creative landscape.
“Creativity is immortal,” she says. “It’s not just about me; it’s about the impact it leaves on people, the conversations it sparks, and the love it spreads.” For Nthateng, photography is more than art — it is a platform for transformation, a way to rewrite narratives, and a call for everyone to see the beauty in blackness, boldly and unapologetically.