Nandipha Jantjies, who is presented by Madlozi Contenporary, brings forth artwork that is a combination of painting and digital media, she is particularly known for her character Neferuda, who is a central figure in her digital artworks. Nandipha’s work explores themes of culture, spirituality, nature and the concept of the soul. She also tackles challenging topics such as societal expectations and the appropriation of culture and traditions.
One of the distinctive features of Nandipha’s artwork is the inclusion of horns, which symbolise strength, boldness, and royalty. However, she portrays them in a serene and peaceful manner. She often incorporates Nguni cow, mountain goat or buffalo horns, which are significant in her Xhosa culture.
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Additionally, she incorporates elements from the Basotho tradition, such as the African beer pot called “Nkgo.” Nandipha’s love for animals is also evident in her work.
In terms of her working style, Nandipha draws inspiration from the complexity of the world around her. She is fascinated by the overlapping lines found in everyday life, such as traffic, marching ants, and the diverse faces we encounter. These complexities, in all their shades of beauty, serve as the foundation for her signature style.
Nandipha primarily works with ink, acrylic paint, wool, and beads on canvas. Recently, she has been experimenting with incorporating wool and beads into her artworks, adding texture and depth to her pieces.
