Born and raised in Soweto, visual artist Zandile Tshabalala creates artworks interested in the representation of the black women in historical paintings. The artist noticed a pattern whereby the black woman in paintings was usually placed at the background, almost not present or placed in compromising situations that reinforce the idea that the black woman is inferior and should be marginalized. Zandile felt the urge to challenge these ideas and give back the black woman’s voice in her paintings by placing the black female figure in a powerful position that allows her to be in control of her own body and the gaze that is exchanged between her and the viewer.
Long day: Siri play Tems’ Free mind, 2021
Lady in her studio, 2020
