Zinhle Nkutha Roy Kourtney, Circulations. 18 x 24 inches. Mixed media. Central University of Technology, Free State, South Africa, 2026.
Project Statement
The exploration of the topic at hand was interesting and informative. The topic bodies of colour, geographies of form are about how women are able to redefine themselves into much stronger versions of who they were. Generations of the arbitrary portrayal of women has long supressed who they are and what they are capable of. From being told how to wear to being instructed, or rather criticised on how to speak. This project is about showing the world that women are capable of so much more. That they are much stronger than what is stereotyped of them to be.
Artists such as Kourtney Roy and Cindy Sherman portray the stereotypical women in all their vulnerability, through photographical means for the whole world to see. They play the roles of mothers, cleaners, pageant queens and the cliched parts of a lady. However, Cindy Sherman often showcases herself staring back at those that dare to box and cave her within. Refusing to be confined and defined by their standards she challenges the male gaze, challenges the authoritative figures, fighting against the marginalization of who she is. It is a rather unbecoming approach as often more than not, subjects of interest are the ones to look away when whistled and catcalled, yet she stares back at the oppressors. Glaringly obvious she holds nothing back.
This is what this artwork portrays, that women of all cultures and backgrounds are connected by the very same system that works to supress them. Linked by the same struggles they still march forward, facing the stakes head on.
In Zulu tradition the chief or head of the table is often the one to wear shoulder covers made of animal skin, a way to show authority. In this very same manner the artwork has Roy, playing the cliché role of a pageant queen, dressed in the very same cover. She adorns a large headpiece signifying her higher status. The land that shapes her stands behind her, emitting a light from the sunset. Though strong in her attire her gaze still falls in bashfulness. She shies away from those looking back at her. The enlargement of the letters “man” next to the smaller “wo” portrays the ongoing struggles women face each day and yet still strive for more.
This artwork portrays the reality that women must face and little girls eventually too. It showcases the relentless battles ladies must overcome along with the burdens in the never-ending struggle for being more than just. At the same time, it reveals the true essence of a spirited woman who is also a warrior, challenging all that stands to push her from her goal. As dreamers are there to do much more than wait.
Self-reflection
During this project it was quickly realized how important communication was. From the start to the end, constant sharing of ideas, inspirations and interests-built connections that reached over mountains, crossed over seas and hurdled to other lands. Being able to converse with others in another country different from mine, learning their culture and the significance of their own cultural patterns was a delight and honour.
It was an experience like no other and made the realisation that we are not that different from another more apparent. There were many instances where interests aligned and inspirations sparked from the constant exchange of ideas.
There were times of worry such as time difference as it was difficult to manage and cope but somehow it was made possible. Being able to be apart of a wonderful group consisting of creatives and outspoken, imaginative individuals ignited a spark that had once dwindled. It was an honour and a privilege being apart of something as remarkable as the COIL project.
The learning experience was a great reminder that sometimes even when alone, there are those around just as alone. However, that feeling never lasts and moments of time such as these are but fleeting and should be enjoyed whilst they last.
Video of the process. Courtesy of the designer Zinhle Nkutha Roy Kourtney. South Africa, 2026