Born 1951, David Lurie lives and works in Cape Town. He studied economics, politics and philosophy, taught philosophy, did research in international political economy (at The London School of Economics) and worked as a consultant economist before turning to photography. He lived for many years in London where he began doing documentary projects part-time in 1990 and full-time in 1995, following the publication of his first book, Life in the Liberated Zone, in 1995.

Lurie moved back to Cape Town permanently in 2011. Lurie’s work has been widely published and exhibited in the United Kingdom, Europe, the United States, Australia, South Africa and the Middle East. He is the recipient of several awards including Pictures of the Year International, the World Understanding Award for Cape Town Fringe: Manenberg Avenue is where it’s Happening; Nikon (UK); Ilford Pro Photo (SA); and Arts Council of Great Britain Grant Awards.