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About Me

Nikiwe Dlova is a multi disciplinary artist from Johannesburg in South Africa. Her work is inspired by the African craftsmanship of braiding and weaving, she explores the diversity of the skill through creative hairstyles,headpieces, sculpted/textured artworks using synthetic hair extensions, acrylic impasto technique and modelling paste. Nikiwe studied Clothing Management at University of Johannesburg,her love for fashion weaved itself into her braiding artistry which she uses as a language and symbol to preserve African identity,history, matrilineal lineage ,contemporary culture and memory.

Artworks

Original paintings and mixed-media creations that blend bold textures, ethereal motifs, and emotional depth. Each piece invites viewers into a world of layered storytelling and vibrant expression.

Headpieces

Wearable art crafted with unconventional materials, transforming the human form into a living canvas. These sculptural headpieces merge avant-garde design with theatrical elegance.

Exhibitions

Past and upcoming showcases of Nikiwe,s work in galleries and collaborative spaces. Explore immersive installations and curated collections that challenge perception.

My Journey

In 2021 Design Indaba spotlighted her as an emerging creative to watch. In the same year she debuted her first solo exhibition titled ‘The Royal Hair Salon’ at Botho Project Space.. In 2023 she started exploring printmaking, specifically Linocut and object and stencil print to see how her textured/tactile art translates within this technique.

Her creative hairstyles and headpieces have been worn by musicians such as Busiswa, Msaki, Sampa The Great, Mpho Sebina, Kelly Rowland, Nomzamo Mbatha, Zoe Modiga etc.

She has participated in the following Group Exhibitions:

  • (2022) Creatress Mashumi Art Project, Johannesburg.
    (2023) The Thread That Binds, Affinity Gallery, Nigeria.
    (2023) 76/23 Linocut Print Exhibition with The Arts Company at Constitution Hill, Johannesburg.
    (2023) Women of Substance Print Exhibition, The Arts Company, Johannesburg
    (2024) Thread by Thread Trio Exhibition, South Africa meets Senegal, Johannesburg.
    (2024) Johannesburg Art Gallery in Collaboration with The Arts Company at FNB Art Fair, Johannesburg.
    (2025) Pathnomad, Johannesburg.
  • (2025) The Melrose Gallery, Johannesburg.

email

hello@nikiwedlova.com

Location

Johannesburg, South Africa

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