Izingubo Zabafazi

November 30, 2024 - January 18, 2025

15 Hulbert Road, New Centre

Nqobile Nxumalo's collection, Izingubo Zabafazi (Women's Clothing), is a profound exploration of womanhood, selfhood, and the narratives embedded in societal roles. Rooted in her identity as a Zulu woman, Nqobile reflects on how women are defined by the roles they play and the ones they reclaim. 

Through a combination of sculptural forms and portraits, Nqobile unpacks the layered identities of women — The Virgin, The Slut, and The Mother — and examines how these roles coexist, conflict, and define the feminine experience. 

While sculptor Sifiso Mkhabela collaborated on the wire structures, the vision, storytelling, and artistic finality of these works are entirely Nqobile's, showcasing her strength as an artist, mother, and lover. Her work celebrates the transformative power of identity, exploring her freedom in body, mind, art, and heart.

Nqobile uses fabric and resin to celebrate the beauty of imperfection and the resilience of women. Her work challenges societal perceptions of identity while reclaiming the narrative of the female body as strong, multifaceted, and transformative, making Izingubo Zabafazi a thought-provoking exhibition.

About the Artist

Nqobile Nxumalo is a Johannesburg-based artist whose work bridges fashion, cinema, and fine art. Born in Kwa-Hlabisa, KZN, her Zulu heritage informs her exploration of identity, resilience, and femininity. Through her sculptures and portraits, Nqobile crafts narratives that challenge societal norms and celebrate the complexity of African women.