Nwabisa Ntlokwana
Johannesburg, Gauteng, ZA
Born in 1988 in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, Nwabisa Ntlokwana is a Johannesburg-based contemporary visual artist whose work breathes life into themes of motherhood and materiality. With a rich cultural background and a deep appreciation for the vibrant energy of Africa, Ntlokwana's art is a celebration of renewal and transformation, seamlessly blending traditional influences with contemporary aesthetics.
Ntlokwana’s journey into the art world began with a keen interest in the transformative potential of everyday materials. This interest evolved into a passionate commitment to sustainability, as she started creating sculptures using discarded materials. Her work is characterised by its use of texture and form, bringing found objects into a new realm of artistic expression.
As a mother, Ntlokwana finds profound inspiration in her personal experiences, which infuse her art with authenticity and emotional depth. Her exploration of modern motherhood adds a powerful narrative layer to her sculptures, inviting viewers to engage with her reflections on this universal yet deeply personal theme.
Ntlokwana's work has garnered attention for its innovative approach and meaningful message. Ntlokwana was named the inaugural recipient of the DLO Energy Resources Group Artist Prize 2026, an acquisition-based award presented at the RMB Latitudes Art Fair, where her large-scale leather work The Playbook entered the DLO collection and the artist joined the group's entrepreneurship business-development initiative.
Ntlokwana's work has been featured in group exhibitions across Johannesburg and Cape Town among Ebony Curated, The Viewing Room, Melrose Gallery, No End Gallery, SculptX, Latitudes art fair and VIVIERS studio collaboration for Investec Cape Town Art Fair, where her collaboration with VIVIERS placed her sculptural language in dialogue with contemporary fashion and design.
Through her art, Ntlokwana aims to inspire conversations about sustainability,transformation, and the multifaceted experience of motherhood. Her sculptures stand as a testament to the beauty of renewal and the power of creative expression in fostering a deeper connection to our environment and ourselves.
Ntlokwana’s journey into the art world began with a keen interest in the transformative potential of everyday materials. This interest evolved into a passionate commitment to sustainability, as she started creating sculptures using discarded materials. Her work is characterised by its use of texture and form, bringing found objects into a new realm of artistic expression.
As a mother, Ntlokwana finds profound inspiration in her personal experiences, which infuse her art with authenticity and emotional depth. Her exploration of modern motherhood adds a powerful narrative layer to her sculptures, inviting viewers to engage with her reflections on this universal yet deeply personal theme.
Ntlokwana's work has garnered attention for its innovative approach and meaningful message. Ntlokwana was named the inaugural recipient of the DLO Energy Resources Group Artist Prize 2026, an acquisition-based award presented at the RMB Latitudes Art Fair, where her large-scale leather work The Playbook entered the DLO collection and the artist joined the group's entrepreneurship business-development initiative.
Ntlokwana's work has been featured in group exhibitions across Johannesburg and Cape Town among Ebony Curated, The Viewing Room, Melrose Gallery, No End Gallery, SculptX, Latitudes art fair and VIVIERS studio collaboration for Investec Cape Town Art Fair, where her collaboration with VIVIERS placed her sculptural language in dialogue with contemporary fashion and design.
Through her art, Ntlokwana aims to inspire conversations about sustainability,transformation, and the multifaceted experience of motherhood. Her sculptures stand as a testament to the beauty of renewal and the power of creative expression in fostering a deeper connection to our environment and ourselves.
Artworks
