Young South African artists' thought-provoking work pushes cultural boundaries

What's it like to be a young Muslim man, of Indian descent, born and raised in Cape Town, one of Africa's most westernized cities? It's a question the award-winning artists, Hasan and Husain Essop explore through their photographic work, which places them as the subject in all the images.
Here are five things to know about these rising stars of the international art scene.
Hasan & Husain Essop, Grave of Moses, Jericho, 2011

Young South African artists' thought-provoking work pushes cultural boundaries

Young South African artists' thought-provoking work pushes cultural boundaries

The way different views and values sit side-by-side is something the Essop brothers know from their own lives. Growing up in Cape Town, they went to a Muslim school, while at home were immersed in the food, music and language of the Indian family.
Hasan & Husain Essop, Aeroplane, 2009

Young South African artists' thought-provoking work pushes cultural boundaries

2. They have no interest in creating 'beautiful' work
Each images is a complex narrative staged, shot and featuring the brothers. The results are striking but it's hard to call them beautiful -- and that seems to be the plan. "There's so much happening today that we need to capture," says Husain. "We're living in a world with violence, drug abuse, crime ... there's so much bad happening around us that is not beautiful. So for us to represent beauty is just pointless to me."

Hasan & Husain Essop, Athlone Superette, 2014

Young South African artists' thought-provoking work pushes cultural boundaries

3. They are challenging the stigma that making art carries in their community
For such lauded contemporary artists, it is surprising to hear that their inspiration doesn't necessarily come from being exposed to art at an early age.

Hasan and Husain Essop, Freedom Fighters, 2014

Young South African artists' thought-provoking work pushes cultural boundaries

Young South African artists' thought-provoking work pushes cultural boundaries

4. Their religious references are intended to educate.
Expressions of their faith are present in all their work, yet the artists argue that they do not do so gratuitously. Instead, they want to challenge stereotypes.

Hasan & Husain Essop Five Pillars, 2008

Young South African artists' thought-provoking work pushes cultural boundaries

"I don't think it's 'Islamically correct' to produce artwork and to put it up on a wall, so if I'm gonna be doing it this, it should be for a very important reason," Husain explains.
"Our reason is always to educate the masses about the religion that has been tarnished through media -- so kind of fighting media with media."

Hasan & Husain Essop Shooting Hoops, 2009

Young South African artists' thought-provoking work pushes cultural boundaries

Young South African artists' thought-provoking work pushes cultural boundaries

For these brothers, art is all about capturing the times they live in. "That's the legacy you are going to leave behind as an artist," Husain says.

Hasan & Husain Essop Silat Mulut, 2014

Young South African artists' thought-provoking work pushes cultural boundaries

"You're gonna leave behind something that captures a time frame and when people look back and study that time frame, they'll look to your work," adds Husain.
Hasan & Husain Essop, Fast Food, 2008

Young South African artists' thought-provoking work pushes cultural boundaries

The two brothers were the winners of the Standard Bank Young Artist Award for Visual Art in 2014.
Hasan & Husain Essop, Malay Quarters, 2014