Mia Simone Oelofse

Human Being

MIA SIMONE

OELOFSE

A LIMINAL PORTFOLIO

I am still learning things,

BUT HERE’S SOME

STUFF ABOUT ME

I’ve been a human for quite some time. Got a degree in linguistics and honours in psychology. But then decided; I don’t want to be a psychologist.

Had some jobs, mostly in the hospitality and service industry. I now embody the softest of soft skills and can people really good.

At the moment I have some nascent side hustles while I collect some hard skills.

I also pursue having some joy in between.

NOT ME, JUST A PHOTO I TOOK.

Thing One:

HAWEMA

MUSIC VIDEO

(1)

HERE’S A

SNIPPET

Find the whole video at

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CzYQl97qpMs/?igshid=Y2NkYjk0MDhjYg==

‘Lutho’ Artist

Statement

I've spent a decade exploring photography, trying to capture beauty in the simple. But with the music video, I explored making something beautiful with simple things. We transformed a bathtub filled with some water, blood (red dye), flowers, brown coins (times are tough), and light, into art.

It’s been a significant learning curve for me and an absolute privilege to grow as an artist alongside Hawema, my Mzala’s. A special thanks goes out to Matthew Cuthbert, who documented the behind-the-scenes process and provided assistance during setup and filming, and Jimmy Reynolds from JR Film who kindly provided extra lighting and lenses. This wouldn’t exist without them.

‘Lutho’ is a powerful protest song that I deeply resonate with. It touches on the failures of our government to take care of and nourish its people. It reflects on the pain, struggle, anger, sorrow, discontent, togetherness, hope, and love many feel for our country. Through this visual symphony I wanted to complement this impactful song, and sought to convey the strong emotions that many Durbanites, and South Africans, feel.

The idea for the video was dynamic and unfolded alongside the making of the music video. In the end I tried to capture the feeling of the lyrics as well as the instrumentals through the imagery and editing.

The song grapples with complex issues that have created complex circumstances and therefore complex feelings. I can ascribe many complicated meanings to the visuals in the video. But this music video isn’t about that, it’s a dialogue for people to engage with. It is for the viewer to ascribe their own meanings, feelings, memories and interpretations. I wanted to use basic elements to enable people to connect with the song, themselves, and their fellow South Africans.

This music video comes from a place deep within, and we hope that it stirs the waters of that same place in you. Amanda Awethu

I ALSO MADE THIS

Thing Two:

PHOTOGRAPHY

(2)

I’ve been learning to take beautiful photos for 10 years.

Professionally I’m still a baby. But experientially, I am further along than most. When it comes to using my camera, I can definitely speak its language. It has become not just a tool but a mirror for my eyes and my mind and my heart. I don’t sing very well, but these photos are my songs.

Also, not toot my own horn. But toot-toot. I have good taste. And I trust my artistic eye very much. So I am guided by my skill and also my ability to just see if something looks right or not.

Here are some photos of a recent-ish exhibition I was part of (above and right below), an engagement shoot I did (below), and one of my photos that I just like (left and below).

Photos of my long time collaborator, Paige Furness

Artist, Photographer, DJ, a Dear Friend

it’s been an honour to grow alongside her

Photos of my sister, Laura Oelofse.

Absolute Silliest Billy, Fine-Dining Chef Apprentice, Co-Owner of our High-School era Tumblr account ‘Love Child of the Moon and Ocean’

my life is so much better because you exist

ENGAGEMENT SHOOT:

Skills Showcased

1. Creative Direction: Directed and guided an inexperienced couple during the engagement shoot, ensuring natural and captivating poses that conveyed their unique personalities and love story.

2. Solo Execution: Successfully managed all aspects of the shoot independently, from photography to location scouting and planning, demonstrating self-reliance and adaptability.

3. Post-Production Expertise: Meticulously edited over 130 photos using Adobe Photoshop, optimizing them for both computer and mobile screens, and maintaining the visual integrity and emotional resonance of each image.