A Surprising Skill Revealed: Noel Deyzels and the Power of Visual Storytelling in Afrikaans Narrative

Noel Deyzels, a distinctive voice in Afrikaans literature and public expression, has quietly cultivated a rare and underappreciated talent: the ability to weave compelling narratives through visual storytelling — a skill that transcends traditional verbal communication and offers fresh insight into South Africa’s cultural landscape. While widely recognized for his literary acumen and nuanced commentary, few know that Deyzels possesses an intuitive mastery of photographs not just as imagery, but as instruments of expression capable of conveying complex emotions and social truths. This hidden skill distinguishes Deyzels in a media environment increasingly dominated by text and sound.

By intentionally selecting, composing, and publishing photographs — many in Afrikaans — he transforms everyday scenes into thought-provoking visual statements. His projects often juxtapose intimate domestic moments with broader societal themes, inviting viewers to read between the frames. “A single image can carry more weight than a thousand words,” Deyzels has noted.

“It’s about capturing the essence of a moment when the world is silent.”

The Art of Framing: How Deyzels Uses Photography as Narrative Tool

Deyzels’ approach to photography defies conventional categorization. He does not merely document; instead, he curates visual narratives that speak to identity, memory, and transformation in post-apartheid South Africa. Using accessible equipment and a deliberate aesthetic, his body of work reveals layers of meaning in ordinary scenes — a child’s reflection in a cracked window, the quiet posture of a spectral township house, or the rhythmic repetition of labor in a farm field.

His technique is rooted in composition and timing, emphasizing light, shadow, and human presence. Each frame serves as a deliberate message. For example, his series *Skine van die Suid-Afrika* (The Skin of South Africa) uses black-and-white imagery to underscore the weight and texture of national history — a visual metaphor for resilience and complexity.

Deyzels has stated: “I shoot with eyes—not just eyes. I seek the silence between what’s seen and what’s unsaid.” - Visual storytelling as emotional shorthand - Composition rooted in African aesthetics and narrative tradition - Use of monochrome to highlight historical depth and dignity - Intended audience: Afrikaans speakers deeply connected to place and heritage Technology plays a quiet but critical role. Deyzels avoids overly polished filters, opting instead for raw, tactile realism that preserves authenticity.

His images circulate across Afrikaans literary blogs, social media platforms, and print zines, reaching audiences who value cultural specificity and artistic integrity. He often pairs each photograph with minimal text — sometimes in Afrikaans — allowing space for interpretation rather than dictating meaning.

Bridging Language and Identity through Visual Expression

Afrikaans, a language with a complex and contested history, remains a vital medium for cultural expression.

Deyzels leverages this linguistic legacy not only through words but through imagery that resonates deeply within Afrikaans-speaking communities. His visual projects often bridge generations, connecting rural roots with urban identities, traditional practices with modern realities. He articulates this duality eloquently: “Language binds us; images set us free.” His photographs function as visual bridge lines, inviting dialogue across divides of class, geography, and historical experience.

In a society still reckoning with fragmented pasts, Deyzels’ images act as cultural anchors — preserving memory while inviting reflection. Notable projects include: - *Geeste van de Eiken* (Spirits of the Oaks), a portrait series exploring spiritual connections to land and family - *Voetspoels* (Footprints), documenting everyday movement across townships as metaphors for movement through history - *Repose van die Sweurt* (Rest of the Struggle), a contemplative body of work depicting quiet resilience amid ongoing socio-economic challenges These works are not passive documentation but active commentary — each photograph a quiet intervention in public discourse. Critics have praised his ability to elevate the mundane through thoughtful vision, crafting images that are both intimate and epic in scope.

Noel Deyzels’ neglected gift lies in his quiet mastery of visual narrative — a skill that translates cultural depth into universally accessible language. In an era where attention spans shrink and visual noise swamps meaning, his deliberate, thoughtful photography offers clarity and emotional resonance. He reminds us that storytelling evolves beyond words — that sometimes, the most powerful truths emerge not in speech, but in the stillness captured in frame.

This surprising skill transforms Deyzels from a writer into a multidimensional storyteller, unearthing the soul of Afrikaans culture not through ink alone, but through the silent yet profound language of the photograph. <略 Davies ends each piece with a subtle invitation: to look closer, to see deeper, to feel more — a call embedded not in words, but in the image itself.