Born in 1998, Johannesburg-based artist Shandu weaves together themes influenced by her upbringing in a small mining town and her diverse experiences across urban, suburban, and rural South Africa. She completed her diploma in Fashion Design and Technology at Tshwane University of Technology in Pretoria. Raised in Empangeni, KwaZulu-Natal, and eMalahleni, Mpumalanga, Shandu's artistic journey reflects the complex interplay between womanhood, human existence, industrial landscapes, and the contrasting worlds she has encountered.

Her work captures the nuances of her experiences, largely shaped by the women who raised her. Through her use of color, texture, and composition, Shandu invites viewers to explore the tension between belonging and otherness, familiarity and the unknown. "My work is the vehicle I've chosen to reflect on my personal journey and the intricate connections between self-discovery and the ever-evolving environment."