Man Jumping Puddle, Darling Street, Cape Town, 1968 by Obie Oberholzer captures a brief moment of movement on one of central Cape Town’s busiest streets.

Pictured:

A man is photographed in mid-air as he jumps across a puddle on Darling Street. His body is stretched forward, with one foot leaving the pavement and the other reaching towards the opposite side.

Oberholzer’s timing isolates the figure at the height of the movement, turning an everyday action into the central focus of the photograph. The surrounding street, pavement and city architecture provide a clear sense of place while the man’s suspended posture introduces energy and humour to the scene.

The composition brings together movement and the structured lines of the urban environment. The figure briefly appears weightless against the solid surfaces of the street, creating a visual contrast between the unpredictability of human movement and the fixed geometry of the city.

Photographed in 1968, the image records an ordinary moment in central Cape Town during a period of major social and political change in South Africa. Details of clothing, architecture and street life provide a valuable record of the city at the time.

Obie Oberholzer is known for his observations of people, landscapes and everyday life across Southern Africa. His photographs often combine documentary detail with a strong sense of timing, character and visual wit.

Collecting Obie Oberholzer’s work offers a direct connection to South African photography of the late 20th century. Photographs such as Man Jumping Puddle, Darling Street, Cape Town, 1968 are valued for their historical context, distinctive composition and record of daily life within the city.

Digital archival print.

Printed on Hahnemühle Photo Rag Baryta.

Image size: 20.5 × 30.5 cm.

Unframed.

Important Notes

International shipping is available.

Estimated international print & delivery time: 10–15 working days.

Framing options are available.