One on one with Justin Dingwall

If you haven’t already heard the name Justin Dingwall, you most certainly will. As one of South Africa’s top emerging commercial photographers and contemporary artists, Johannesburg-based Justin isn’t afraid to push boundaries with his art, and has won numerous awards for his local and international exhibitions – most recently making the top 10 in one of Africa’s most prestigious art exhibitions, the 2014 Absa L’Atelier.

I would describe myself as having an eye for the unusual, a passion to explore avenues less travelled, and the desire to create images that resonate with emotion.

My passion is portraiture. I love meeting and photographing people, and creating a world within an image.

Photography allows me to explore, travel, investigate, and meet new and interesting people.

My most recent fine art project, Albus, is a discourse about albinism, a subject that is generally seen as taboo in the South African context. Albus offers an intimate perspective to exploring the myths surrounding albinism. I began this project with ethereal portraits of Thando Hopa, a legal prosecutor who is using her visibility to address the negative perceptions surrounding albinism, and my new work features Sanele Xaba, a young model with albinism.

I define my art as personal.

I am inspired by everything. I try to find inspiration in every moment.

A good photographer always thinks on his or her feet, and never gives up. You sometimes have to be a magician.

My experience at the FNB Joburg Art Fair was amazing! It opened up so many opportunities for me.

There’s nothing like going on holiday and losing yourself for a bit. And a good cup of coffee at 5 o’clock in the morning.

If I could visit and photograph any place in the world I haven’t yet been to, it would have to be India. It looks like an engaging, colourful, chaotic and beautiful country. Family and friends tell me that it engages all of your senses. I also have a soft spot for Italy.

My home is my sanctuary, a place where I get to relax and reflect on the day.

In the next 10 years I want to have a solo exhibition in New York, a coffee book printed with my Albus series, and be working more extensively in America and Europe. I would also love to be sponsored by Hasselblad or Phase One.

You can find my work at Justindingwall.com or my Instagram account @justin_dingwall.