Ernest Cole Paintings

Ernest Cole was a South African photographer renowned for his poignant documentation of the daily lives of black South Africans under the apartheid regime. Born on March 21, 1940, in Eersterust, a suburb of Pretoria, South Africa, his original name was Ernest Levi Tsoloane Kole, which he later changed to Cole in an effort to circumvent the restrictive racial classifications of the apartheid government.

From an early age, Cole was exposed to the harsh realities of apartheid. He was deeply affected by the systemic racism and segregation that he witnessed and experienced first-hand. With a passion for photography sparked during his teenage years, he sought to capture the inhumanity and injustice of apartheid through his lens. Cole's work was largely self-taught, and he often cited magazines like Life and Drum as influences on his photographic style and storytelling approach.

In the early 1960s, Cole became one of the first black South Africans to have his work published in newspapers. He worked for Drum magazine, a publication known for its critical stance on apartheid and for showcasing black culture. Cole's photographs during this time revealed the everyday struggles and resilience of black South Africans, making the realities of apartheid visible to a wider audience.

Perhaps his most significant work is the photo book 'House of Bondage,' published in 1967. This book was the culmination of years of secretly documenting the lives of black South Africans. 'House of Bondage' is recognized for its candid and unflinching portrayal of the brutality of apartheid, including images of labor exploitation, police brutality, and the devastating impact of pass laws. The book was immediately banned in South Africa, but it gained international acclaim and played a crucial role in raising global awareness of the apartheid system.

Unfortunately, due to the publication of 'House of Bondage,' Cole was forced into exile in 1966, as his life was in danger in South Africa. He never returned to his homeland. He lived in various countries, including Sweden and the United States, where he continued to work as a photographer, albeit with less focus and success compared to his earlier work in South Africa. Cole's later life was marked by personal struggles, and he faced financial and health challenges.

Ernest Cole's contribution to documentary photography and his dedication to social justice leave a lasting legacy. His work remains a powerful visual record of apartheid and serves as a reminder of the resilience and dignity of those who suffered under its oppression. Cole died in poverty from cancer on February 18, 1990, in New York City, at the age of 49. His life and work are remembered for their profound impact on the fight against apartheid and the field of photojournalism.