Mikhailia Petersen is an independent, multi-faceted creative based in Cape Town, South Africa. Through the medium of photography, Petersen showcases her versatility, excelling in styling, creative direction, and stills production. Her layered approach to projects reflects a deep commitment to storytelling and artistic collaboration. Specializing in portraiture, Petersen seeks to celebrate her subjects with authenticity, crafting narrative-driven imagery that moves beyond isolated or essentializing representations. Her work emphasizes the emotive, weaving together elements of history, culture, and the lived experiences of her subjects. Deeply engaged with the post-colonial realities of Cape Town, Petersen challenges traditional narratives by reframing POC and LGBTQIA+ individuals not through the lens of hardship, but by highlighting their resilience, beauty, and strength.
Petersen’s photographic practice has been described as theatrical, yet grounded in a documentary-inspired ethos. She collaborates with a vibrant community of Cape Town-based creatives, integrating local crafts, fashion, and multidisciplinary skills into her shoots. This holistic approach results in compelling visual stories that resonate deeply with her audience.
Her work has been featured in esteemed South African and international publications, including THE FACE, NATAAL, NiCotiNe, and Doek!Lit. Petersen has exhibited locally at THK Gallery, Strauss & Co, Eclectica Contemporary, CHURCH PROJECTS, EBONY Curated and internationally at The Victoria Museum in London and VOGUE X Levis 501 exhibition.
In 2024, Petersen’s artistry was spotlighted in Reflecting Black, a landmark publication edited by Trevor Stuurman and showcasing Africa’s leading young photographic talents, published by The Manor.
For RMB Latitudes, RESERVOIR presented work from Reimagining Themba – titled Towards the sun and We are Loved, 2024.
Mikhailia is presented her first solo with RESERVOIR, Reimagining Themba, 2024. A project produced in collaboration with NGO, Little Lions Child Coaching. 25% from the proceeds of each sale will go to the NGO.
Reimagining Themba was shown with ArtschoolAfrica at Cape Town’s City Hall for “Future voices” and the show is currently being shown at JSE 2024 & 2025.
Currently Petersen is in a mentorship programme with Through the lens collective (TTLC) for the next 6 months.
