People in Spaces, People Owning Spaces
TOSTAYASLEEP
Photography
Originally Published: 19 December 2025
In People in Spaces, People Owning Spaces, I explore the intricate dance between vulnerability and liberation as individuals navigate their place within the world. This photo-series is a culmination of my artistic journey, where the act of creation becomes a powerful tool for self-discovery and empowerment. Through the lens of my camera, I capture the moments when individuals claim their space, assert their identity, and own their stories.
The series is a testament to the human spirit's capacity to rise above uncertainty and find solace in expression. The photographs invite viewers to reflect on their own relationship with space, identity, and ownership, and to consider the ways in which we can create a more inclusive and equitable world.
Through People in Spaces, People Owning Spaces, I hope to inspire a sense of pride, self-expression, and community, and to celebrate the beauty and diversity of human experience.
The Creative
TOSTAYASLEEP
Esethu Sam is a multifaceted artist from Cape Town, working as a documentary filmmaker, photographer, and writer. She creates impactful stories that spark meaningful conversations and drive positive change, focusing on themes such as social justice, environmental issues, and personal identity. With a passion for amplifying marginalized voices, Esethu crafts authentic narratives across various mediums. She has published three eBook titles under her pen name, poeticmaddwrites, and hosts two podcasts, Oh, And? and Venting with Tostayasleep, both created by freelancers for freelancers. Additionally, six of her works were featured in a poetry anthology titled Echoes of the Past, alongside 22 other poets.
Her artistic journey is marked by continuous learning and growth, driven by a strong commitment to telling essential stories that resonate with audiences.
She has explored film through roles in location sound, costume, hair and makeup, directing, acting as an extra, and screenwriting. She has also produced a live television show as part of a multicamera course, where she experienced various roles involved in a live TV production, including VT, timekeeping, camera operator, sound control, and sound mixing. She continues to explore and tap into previously untouched territories within the creative space.