Age of discovery

Returning to South Africa, a photographer finds the local art scene brimming with talent and energy

- Edwin Steenkamp

‘Something unexpected hits you when you’re in this apartment,’ says businessman turned-full-time-artist-and-photographer Barry Salzman. He’s right. After stepping away from the buzzing streets of Clifton, the sudden quiet in his apartment is disarming. The energy that usually informs this popular coastline all but evaporates, making way for a more contemplative and serene atmosphere – Barry cherishes this, having worked in the corporate world abroad for over 30 years. ‘My apartment in New York enabled me to experience what was beyond its walls. When I am here though,’ he says, ‘it’s the exact opposite. This apartment wants to keep me contained.