Paulo Menezes
Paulo Menezes is a photographer based in Durban, South Africa. His work in documentary photography has allowed him to explore numerous spaces and subject matter both locally and internationally. With a keen interest in the archiving potential of photography, a large portion of his work naturally depicts Durban and KwaZulu-Natal.
Paulo is a former Vice Chairperson of the Durban Center for Photography (DCP) – a collective of photographers under the guidance of influential photographer and activist, Peter McKenzie. The collective realised a number of documentary projects and exhibitions, both locally and internationally, as well as facilitated educational programmes where Paulo took on the role of a mentor.
Paulo is co-founder of the recently formed Contemporary Archive Project – an incubator for critical thinking and the development, presenting and safeguarding of new photographic works contributing to an ongoing archive of KwaZulu-Natal.
In 2015 Paulo participated in Magnum Photographer Antoine D’Agata’s Studio Vortex artist residency in Arles, France. 2016 saw him selected for the Visual Arts Network of South Africa (VANSA) Open Office Research Residency in Johannesburg. Outside of his work with organisations, Paulo is a professional freelance photographer. In 2013 Paulo completed a National Diploma in Photography through the Durban University of Technology. Paulo has participated in a number of exhibitions to date.