Micha Serraf was born and raised in Zimbabwe and fled to South Africa where he is currently based. In the mobility that has been a defining factor of his life, Serraf has taken note of the behaviour of himself and other foreign nationals in their navigation of post-apartheid South Africa. They display an acute awareness of what the safest shape they need to take on to survive particular contexts. This fluid presentation of self, and the ability to be malleable are tactics used to access acceptance and camouflage. In this exposure to several ways of existing, Serraf has experienced and observed a variety of gender norms, enactments and ideologies. Serraf seeks to dissect and dismantle the understanding of gender and belonging within this configuration.

Serraf attended the University of Cape Town, and completed his Honours Degree in Fine Art with a specialisation in Photography. Serraf’s work has been featured in both local and international publications, exhibitions and media.

We are pleased to announce that Micha Serraf is the winner of the Ritzau Art Prize 2021! Listen to Serraf speak about his practice alongside Colleen Ritzau Leth (Founder of the Ritzau Art Prize) and Kneo Mokgopa (Advocacy Manager, Nelson Mandela Foundation) on 1-54 Forum.