Curated by Refilwe Nkomo, the new exhibition at the Johannesburg Stock Exchange brings together art, mentorship, and market access to empower a new generation of visual storytellers.
© Life Ngubeni
In celebration of Youth Month, the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) and Of Soul & Joy proudly present ‘Children of the Light’, a stirring photographic exhibition showcasing the perspectives of young South Africans. On view from June 7 to July 31, 2025, at the JSE in Sandton, the exhibition forms part of Art Share, the JSE’s initiative to support emerging artists by offering a high-visibility platform at the heart of South Africa’s financial district.
A public walkabout will take place on Saturday, June 28, at 11:00 am, offering visitors a chance to engage directly with the curator and exhibiting artists.
Curated by interdisciplinary artist and cultural worker Refilwe Nkomo, ‘Children of the Light’ explores the themes of legacy, purpose and possibility. Featuring work by students and alums of the Of Soul & Joy photography mentorship programme based in Thokoza, the exhibition invites viewers into intimate and vibrant portrayals of life, identity and aspiration through the eyes of a new generation of image-makers.
Participating artists include Jabulani Dlamini, Thembinkosi Hlatshwayo, Tshepiso Mazibuko, Sibusiso Bheka, Vuyo Mabheka, Lunathi Mngxuma, Sibusiso Sithonga, Fuwe Molefe and Zwelibanzi Zwane. Their influential photographic works reflect deeply personal and contextualised perspectives, foregrounding the creative potential of youth while interrogating contemporary realities in South Africa.
“This exhibition is centred around connection,” says Nkomo. “It’s where art and industry come together, bringing together different generations and communities. ‘Children of the Light’ is a call to imagine and create a more inclusive future, led by the youth who carry both the burden and the brilliance of this moment.”
This collaborative exhibition highlights the values shared by the JSE and Of Soul & Joy, including nurturing talent, promoting inclusive development, and investing in creative ecosystems as engines of economic and social change. It is the latest instalment in Art Share’s Bridging Narratives series, which seeks to connect the financial sector with the arts through meaningful cultural interventions.
“At the JSE, we are proud to support Of Soul & Joy,” says Vuyo Lee, Director of Marketing and Corporate Affairs at the JSE. “For us, Art Share is an initiative that not only honours the extraordinary talent of young South African artists, but also contributes meaningfully to the growth of our creative sector and the broader economic development of our nation.”
“The youth are the custodians of the future,” adds Jabulani Dhlamini, Programme Manager of Of Soul & Joy. “Through photography, they learn not only to see differently, but to lead differently. This exhibition affirms their voice, vision and value.”
As part of its commitment, the JSE will purchase at least one artwork from the exhibition, with proceeds supporting both the artist and the Of Soul & Joy programme — reinforcing a circular model of investment in youth, art and community.
Admission is free, but RSVP is essential for the walkabout.
To RSVP, please contact [email protected] or register via the event registration link.
