( “Europa”, 2008)

Nandipha Mntambo is a South African artist who creates work in various forms. She’s especially known for her sculptures, photography and film. According to the artist:

My intention is to explore the physical and tactile properties of hide and aspects of control that allow or prevent me from manipulating this material in the context of the female body and contemporary art. I have used cowhide as a means to subvert expected associations with corporeal presence, femininity, sexuality and vulnerability. The work I create seeks to challenge and subvert preconceptions regarding representation of the female body. Themes of confrontation, protection and refuge play out particularly in relation to inner conflicts and to notions of self-love/hatred. The bronze, Sengifikile, uses my own features as a foundation, but takes on the guise of a bull. Referencing the head-and-shoulder busts of the Renaissance tradition I challenge male and female roles in society and expected associations with femininity, sexuality and vulnerability.

(“Mlwa ne Nkunzi”, 2008)

(“Silence and Dreams”)

(“Narcissus”)

(“Zeus”)

(“Praça de Touros II”)

(“Inkunzi Emnyama”)

(” Memories V”)

(“…everyone carries a shadow III”)

(“…everyone carries a shadow V”)

films4peace 2012 – Nandipha Mntambo from Bass Museum of Art on Vimeo.