Who is Nwabisa Ntlokwana?
Nwabisa Ntlokwana is a sculptor and visual artist based in Johannesburg, whose journey began in the landscapes of KZN, Durban, and the Transkei. At the age of 13, she faced the devastating loss of both her mother and brother, a tragedy that profoundly shaped her life and artistic expression. Her mother, an accomplished photographer, nurtured Nwabisa’s love for art, fashion, and music, influencing her creative journey.
Following her mother’s passing, Nwabisa and her younger sister were taken in by their aunts briefly before moving to live with their father. Her father’s nurturing presence provided a haven of peace and stability. Nwabisa assumed the role of protector and guide for her younger sister, striving to provide the care and opportunities she longed for.
Nwabisa’s path took an unexpected turn when she was awarded a scholarship in business and marketing—the first in her family to do so. Her career began in education and later transitioned into the pharmaceutical industry, yet her passion for art and fashion remained ever-present. This passion ultimately led to her brand, Denim Palace, which focuses on repurposed denim clothing, and eventually drew her to Johannesburg to further her creative ambitions.
Today, Nwabisa’s journey is beautifully intertwined with her role as a mother to her three-year-old son, Azizi. His presence in her life inspires her art and fuels her dedication to her craft.
As we converse with Nwabisa, our #MBOKAWOMAN for October, she delves deeper and shares more insights into her journey and craft as a renowned sculptor and visual artist.
Can you tell us about your journey towards visual art?
My journey into visual art as a professional path truly blossomed after the birth of my son, Azizi. This pivotal moment ignited a profound need to express and navigate my experiences as a mother, while also reconnecting with the memory of my late mother and the narratives that bind us. I’ve always believed that visual art—especially through tactile mediums like papier-mâché—offers a unique avenue to convey emotions and memories that often defy verbal expression.
As my journey evolved, my art expanded beyond personal reflection, becoming a medium to challenge and reshape societal views on motherhood, womanhood, and family life. My sculptures, made from found objects and discarded materials, reflect the beauty and complexity embedded within these roles. This process has shaped my career and sparked a dialogue that explores the intersection of personal experience, environmental concerns and shared human connections.
Your content reflects a deep appreciation for African culture and aesthetics. How do you balance showcasing tradition while staying contemporary?
In my artwork, I strive to harmonize Africa’s rich traditions with contemporary art's vibrancy, crafting pieces that resonate across generations and contexts. My choice of materials—often found objects and discarded items—speaks to a distinctly African tradition of resourcefulness and sustainability, echoing practices seen in African art where materials are repurposed with respect and creativity.
I draw inspiration from Ubuntu, the African philosophy of community and interconnectedness, to explore themes of motherhood and family. This philosophy deepens the cultural resonance of my work but also ensures its relevance in contemporary discourse. For instance, I often use the tactile qualities of paper-mâché to mold sculptures that physically and metaphorically represent the nurturing yet resilient nature of motherhood—an attribute deeply valued in African communities.
Moreover, I look to the bold patterns, vibrant colors, and dynamic forms characteristic of African art to infuse modernity into my sculptures. These elements help bridge the gap between the ancestral and the modern, ensuring that while my work pays homage to tradition, it also speaks to the present and future audiences. Through this synthesis, my art invites viewers into a dialogue that honors heritage while embracing progressive ideas.
None of It Makes Sense
Can you share a particular moment or project that deeply resonated with you and shaped your creative journey?
Participating in my first two sculpture fairs this year was a transformative moment in my artistic journey. Sculptx at The Melrose Gallery and Take A Stand at The Viewing Room were not just showcases, but deeply impactful experiences that significantly shaped my artistic path. These events provided me the chance to engage with the broader art community and to present my work to some of the most esteemed galleries in the industry.
The fairs were both humbling and validating. They offered me a platform where my voice as an artist was recognized and celebrated. Each interaction, every piece displayed, and the invaluable feedback I received catalyzed my creative growth. Standing alongside other talented artists and exchanging ideas with both peers and patrons helped me realize the broader impact and reach my work could achieve.
This exposure has been pivotal in refining my artistic expression and reinforcing my commitment to exploring themes that resonate deeply with both personal and collective narratives.
Nesting - Sculptx Art Fair at The Melrose Gallery
Ukuqonda (Mindfulness) - Take A Stand at The Viewing Room
What key lessons have you learned about maintaining authenticity in your work?
For me, authenticity starts with embracing personal truth. By integrating my experiences as a mother and the memories of my late mother into my art, I create an authentic foundation for my creative expression. This personal connection ensures that each piece carries honesty and depth.
The choice of materials plays a significant role in the authenticity of my art. By working with tactile mediums like paper-mâché and found objects, I honor traditional crafting techniques while advocating for sustainability. This approach grounds my work in the physical world and enriches the narrative I aim to convey.
Listening to feedback from viewers and the art community also allows me to view my work through others’ perspectives, helping me refine and evolve my expression.
While my art has evolved, the core themes of motherhood, resilience, and human connections remain central. By continually exploring these themes from new angles, my work maintains a coherent identity that resonates with audiences over time.
Eternal Balance of Motherhood
The #MBOKAWOMAN, The Journal is all about highlighting talented women who are carving out paths for themselves and doing so intentionally. What are your top 3 motivators, as a woman, a creative, and an artist? And how do you stay grounded in them through the ups and downs of your chosen path?
Motherhood, particularly my bond with my son Azizi, profoundly influences every aspect of my work—from the stories I tell to the perspectives I express. The memories of my late mother and my bond with Azizi fuel my creativity and keep me connected to my purpose as both a mother and an artist.
The women who raised me, and my community, continually inspire me. Their strength and resilience drive me to reflect their stories in my work. Knowing that my art can spark meaningful conversations and create spaces for dialogue among mothers and women keeps me focused on my greater purpose.
My journey of self-discovery pushes me to explore new creative avenues, whether through experimenting with materials like leather or deepening the narratives in my art. I’m honored to be part of an art space where African stories are being told and documented. It gives me hope that our history and voices will live on, creating a lasting legacy for future generations.
I like to explore the notion of objects, including adornments, and accessories, as living things with memory. This idea encourages us to reflect on behaviors and norms around which these products are produced and consumed. Do you engage with such ideas at all in your work on sustainable art?
The notion of objects as entities with memories and lives of their own deeply resonates with my approach to sustainable art. This perspective informs both my material choices and the themes in my sculptures. I predominantly use found objects and discarded materials, which inherently carry their pasts and stories with them. By incorporating these elements, I aim to give them new life and a renewed narrative.
For instance, using paper-mâché—a medium crafted from recycled paper—allows me to physically manifest the concept of rebirth and continuity. Each layer in a papier-mâché piece represents a narrative, encapsulating the memories and histories carried by the recycled materials.
My engagement with the idea of objects as living memories fosters a dialogue on sustainability and the impact of human behaviors on our environment. This approach invites viewers to reflect more deeply on the objects they interact with daily, challenging them to consider how these items are made, used, and ultimately, remembered.
Who are some African women who inspire you in your journey, and how have they influenced your work?
African women who inspire me on my journey include my mother, Nikiwe Ntlokwana, and the incredible community of women who helped raise me after her passing. The 13 years I shared with my mother profoundly shaped my identity and artistic vision. Following her passing, a powerful network of women—both family and community members—stepped in to guide and support me. These women taught me resilience, care, and love, embodying the strength and unity that African women are known for.
Their influence is central to my work, which often revolves around themes of motherhood and womanhood, celebrating the multifaceted roles African women play in nurturing and shaping the future. Their legacy continues to inspire and ground me in my art, driving me to honor their stories and contributions through my creations.
As a woman, growing into the different layers of who you are can be challenging. What would you say to that woman trying to carve out a path that speaks to all layers of herself?
As a woman trying to carve out a path that speaks to all layers of herself, I would say: Embrace every part of your journey, even the parts that feel unclear or challenging. Understand that you are not just one version of yourself, but a collection of evolving layers, each shaped by time and experience. These layers are not obstacles—they are the richness that makes you uniquely you. There is strength in vulnerability, wisdom in struggle, and immense beauty in your individuality.
Be patient, kind, and gentle with yourself. Trust that every chapter of your life holds valuable lessons. It’s not about figuring everything out at once but honoring each layer as it unfolds. Surround yourself with people who lift you and reflect the love and respect you deserve.
Most importantly, create space to listen to your inner voice—it will guide you toward a path that honors all aspects of who you are and who you will become. Everyone’s journey is unique and there is no set formula or blueprint, just your rhythm. Trust it and keep following it.
