2nd place
silver star award
Isabel Corthier
belgium 
title
Free Yourself
“Free yourself” is a series of portraits made in one of the oldest townships of the Western Cape in South Africa, called Vrygrond. The series shows the young generation, born in the 1990s, who grew up with hopeful anticipation for a better life than their parents who lived under apartheid.
In reality, they are faced with a corrupt government and a difficult situation in the townships where unemployment, crime, and drug abuse is high. While apartheid may be over, its consequences are still part of daily life.
These young people fight against their circumstances, according to the principles of Mandela: “Free yourself - Free others - Serve Every Day”. Through developing their talents they are lifting themselves out of poverty. They have become role models for the youngsters in their community and make a positive contribution to society. Some have started social projects to keep youngsters off the street.
Although these young people play an important role in the community, their talents and achievements often stay under the radar. Through these photographs they stand briefly on a stage that rises up from the unpolished background of the township.
Each of the people featured in these images is strong, proud, and self-confident in a unique and authentic way. These young people are the future of South Africa and they are making a change. They might even be an inspiration to all of us.
Vrygrond, Cape Town, South Africa, 2018
*In 2019 it is 25 years ago that Nelson Mandela became the president of South Africa.
Together with her husband she goes around the world where she works as a photographer and as a logistician for MSF, Médecins sans Frontières (Doctors without Borders). While working on the field, she is making portraits of the people she encouters.
In between these missions, Isabel makes photoreportages for NGO’s like Médecins sans Frontières, Caritas, Trias, Vredeseilanden (VECO), Louvain Coopération and Ondernemers voor Ondernemers.
Some of her photos have been shown in exhibitions in China, India, Belgium and some pictures have won awards.
back to gallery
entry description
“Free yourself” is a series of portraits made in one of the oldest townships of the Western Cape in South Africa, called Vrygrond. The series shows the young generation, born in the 1990s, who grew up with hopeful anticipation for a better life than their parents who lived under apartheid.
In reality, they are faced with a corrupt government and a difficult situation in the townships where unemployment, crime, and drug abuse is high. While apartheid may be over, its consequences are still part of daily life.
These young people fight against their circumstances, according to the principles of Mandela: “Free yourself - Free others - Serve Every Day”. Through developing their talents they are lifting themselves out of poverty. They have become role models for the youngsters in their community and make a positive contribution to society. Some have started social projects to keep youngsters off the street.
Although these young people play an important role in the community, their talents and achievements often stay under the radar. Through these photographs they stand briefly on a stage that rises up from the unpolished background of the township.
Each of the people featured in these images is strong, proud, and self-confident in a unique and authentic way. These young people are the future of South Africa and they are making a change. They might even be an inspiration to all of us.
Vrygrond, Cape Town, South Africa, 2018
*In 2019 it is 25 years ago that Nelson Mandela became the president of South Africa.
about the photographer
Isabel Corthier (°1977, Belgium) is a freelance photographer. She works in Belgium and abroad on reportage and portrait photography.Together with her husband she goes around the world where she works as a photographer and as a logistician for MSF, Médecins sans Frontières (Doctors without Borders). While working on the field, she is making portraits of the people she encouters.
In between these missions, Isabel makes photoreportages for NGO’s like Médecins sans Frontières, Caritas, Trias, Vredeseilanden (VECO), Louvain Coopération and Ondernemers voor Ondernemers.
Some of her photos have been shown in exhibitions in China, India, Belgium and some pictures have won awards.
back to gallery
