Nandipha Mntambo

Nandipha Mntambo (born 1982) is a South African artist who has become famous for her sculptures, videos and photographs[1] that focus on human female body and identity by using natural, organic materials.

His occupation allowed her family to live in white neighbourhoods during apartheid, an aspect of her life that serves as an influence for her art and identity as an artist.

[9] Through her art, Mntambo challenges traditional and nontraditional gender roles and identity, disrupting the boundaries between "human and animal, femininity and masculinity, attraction and repulsion, and life and death.

"[10] She has stated:"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.

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.

The research she conducted ahead of this display consisted of trips to Spain and Portugal in the hopes of shadowing bullfighters; however, her experience did not go as planned and she hired a choreographer to guide her performance.