Koto Bolofo
2022 Honoree / Achievement in Advertising
South African born photographer Koto Bolofo began his career in photography after a turbulent upbringing. A political refugee born in Lesotho in 1959, his family was forced to flee the oppression of the apartheid political system in 1963. From humble beginnings in London, the self-taught photographer honed his craft and was recognised for his ability to present honest beauty and stunning unexpected compositions. His lack of formal training allowed for a fresh perspective and an ability to create his own narrative. With a thoughtful and empathetic approach bringing new vision through his lens, Bolofo naturally crosses the genres of photography, delving into photojournalism, documentary, fashion, art and advertising. His imagery and world view gives a sense of timelessness.
Bolofo’s advertising work spans a host of luxury brands including Louis Vuitton, Hermès, Dior, Chanel, Dom Perignon, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Loewe, Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors, Donna Karan, Neiman Marcus, Yohji Yamamoto, Citroën, Moncler, Kate Spade, Nike, GAP, Levi’s, Anthropologie. His editorials have a appeared in fashion and art publications such as Italian Vogue, Numéro, L’Uomo Vogue, Sunday Times, Vanity Fair, Life Magazine, Interview Magazine, Harper’s Bazaar, Marie Claire, Elle, and GQ.
After the publication of his first book SIBUSISO MBHELE AND HIS FISH HELICOPTER in 2002, a cinematic look at the work of a visionary artist outcast by his own people, he went on to publish many more. His interest in capturing and documenting future histories and icons include amongst others his book VENUS, his at times whimsical capturing of the tennis star Venus Williams – one of the first women of colour to rise to the top in the most conservative of sports – her beauty and physical strength seen through the lens of an artist. For his epic LA MAISON, Bolofo was granted unrivalled access to the notoriously private luxury house, Hermès. Documented over eight years, the resulting publication is a voyeuristic 11-volume look behind the closed doors of this Parisian house for posterity, beautifully capturing its many now defunct small artisan workshops and unveiling the secret world behind this timeless brand. His book SNOWDON follows the life and work of Lord Snowdon, a very private man. Gaining access to his home and extraordinary archive of royalty and celebrity, the book honours his lifetime achievement. In ROLLS-ROYCE, Bolofo gets under the skin of this exclusive brand and the people behind these exceptional motor cars. ACADEMIE EQUESTRE VERSAILLES gives a candid look behind the beauty, dedication and pain that goes in to the sheer brilliance of this incredible school of equestrian mastery. In his book THE PRISON, Bolofo documents the horrors and inhumanity of the incarceration of Nelson Mandela and the political prisoners of Robben Island, an impact Bolofo keenly felt when he was forced as a child to leave South Africa with his own father accused of political crime (the crime of teaching history), fearing for the safety of his family. Bolofo’s next book SAY CHEESE is due for publication in June 2022. With the continued support of his highly esteemed publisher, Gerhard Steidl, Bolofo’s passion for the photographic study of the world around him is set to continue to unearth new and exciting subjects.
Bolofo now lives in Paris.
Website: kotobolofo.com
Photo by Aline Blocman