South African artist Dimakatso Mathopa presents new work in Paris

From 20 to 26 March 2026, South African artist Dimakatso Mathopa presents an exhibition of photographs at Forma gallery in Paris as part of the Elaine Harris Grant programme. Curated by Laura Serani, the exhibition brings together a selection of Mathopa’s recent work, continuing her exploration of identity, representation and visual storytelling through photography.

The French Institute of South Africa (IFAS) supported Mathopa’s residency at the Cité internationale des arts in Paris earlier in 2026. The residency offered time for research and artistic development while connecting the artist with curators and cultural institutions in the French capital.

The exhibition is part of the Elaine Harris Grant, an initiative established to honour Elaine Harris and to support artists from minority backgrounds, particularly within the Black diaspora. Mathopa was selected as the first recipient of the grant by an international jury of artists, curators and cultural professionals.

Mathopa’s work draws on portraiture, performance and symbolic imagery to reflect on heritage, femininity and the ways in which personal and collective histories are represented. Her presentation in Paris offers an opportunity to share this work with new audiences while strengthening artistic connections between South Africa and France.

Pictures: Courtesy of artist and Afronova Gallery