The night of April 5 filled a Braamfontein two-storey studio to the rafters with a colourful community of creative people in support of one of their own. Photographer Kgomotso Neto Tleane was in the spotlight, showcasing work that earned him an invitation to the New York Times Portfolio Review. Scheduled for April 21 and 22, the New York conference will host 160 photographers from around the world. They will have their work reviewed by a panel made up of the industry’s powerhouse publications, editors and experts.

AN||OTHER – An exhibition of views by Kgomotso Neto is the title that carried the one-night display. It also served as an initiative to raise funds for Neto’s travels by selling the artwork on exhibit.

An added feature to the event was the theme. It placed the attendees in a township setting complemented by a vendor stall and the powerful scenes from Neto’s images.

Drawn from his own background and environment, Neto gave us perspective on spaces such as the Jeppe Men’s Hostel, downtown Johannesburg and the stretched Lesotho lands where characters such as Morena, Umama and Da Riggs reside while they manoeuvre their lives along the Dunuza fashion district and old wise men coordinate Ispani.

All these terms from the different pieces of artwork, spoke familiarly to the audience.

Some of the Umuzi community members shared their views about Neto’s work.

“These images take me back home to a place that is not filled with concrete. I’m touched by the open land, the farm and the horses. Artistic material is sometimes hard to create in such spaces but I love how Neto has brought it out in his work.”

In another statement: “Neto’s work resonates with me. I am a proud Mosotho and I love how he represented the culture through the fabric of the images.”

Pride for the photographer was another order of the day.

“Neto’s passion is the most valuable thing about him. Though I’ve seen his work before but I didn’t realise it would earn him such a great accolade – It’s inspiring to see it happen.”

Unanimously, the inspired creative community wished Neto more success with Umuzi’s director Andrew Levy stating that Neto is an example of black excellence.

“Neto works the hardest. I’m excited by all the support,” he added, “South Africans have potential and we need to demand more from ourselves. We shouldn’t beka phesheya, but look inward for our strengths,” said Levy.

Neto’s family and friends seemed to have stepped out of his childhood to celebrate the significant occasion and retrace his journey.

“(Neto) was first interested in medicine while still in high school then went on to study law in university before dropping out to work in a call centre. With his first salary he bought a camera – this didn’t bother me much except for the price.

“It was at Umuzi where I realised how passionate he was about his craft,” shared Neto’s mother Moshala Magoba.

This craft has always been in Neto’s DNA as his grandfather was once a photographer and left Neto with most of his photographic memorabilia.

The artist’s mother also said that his work exposes Neto’s big heart and how he’s mindful of his chosen subjects.

She was also touched by the support that Neto received at the exhibition.

“I feel honoured and proud. I’m also eternally grateful to God for my son’s talent.”

Neto’s friends mainly expressed excitement and wished him well.

“I’ve always known Neto would be a success. Go forth brother and all the best to you.”

After hours of autographs, pictures and conversations, Neto said that he is amazed by how everything came together.

“It’s unreal that all these people came out for me. It hasn’t really sunk in yet.

“I’ve been preparing for the trip and this exhibition is just part of the journey.”

Above all, he expressed gratitude: “Thanks for all the love. It’s too much.”

Although the event raised a lot of support in attendance, Neto still needs funding for his great international leap which may impact the international views of South Africa, its’ people and above-all, the local talent.