Ponte City

The most recent works of South African photographer Mikhael Subotzky, winner of the Leica Oskar Barnack Award 2009, and British artist Patrick Waterhouse will be exhibited at the Galerie Le Bal in Paris up until April 20, 2014. The project is dedicated to just one building in Johannesburg: Ponte City.

The most dangerous high-rise in the world
Located in the Hilbrow district of the city, the apartment building was built in 1975 and, during the apartheid era, was a very elegant address to reside at. Following the collapse of apartheid, increasing numbers of bands moved into the 54 storey, concrete cylinder, and it became a place of violence, considered the most dangerous high-rise in the world. Since then, efforts have been made to improve the image of Ponte City by renovating the apartments.

Mikhael Subotzky and Patrick Waterhouse explored every dimension of the infamous tower for five years. The outcome is a multi-faceted piece of work focussing on a building that is indivisibly tied to the history of South Africa.

Further information available at: Le Bal

Subotzky

Waterhouse