Ni-shaat Bardien
bachelor of arts in Fine art
Michaelis School of Fine Art
Graduates: 2024
Specialisms: Fine Art / Photography / Textiles
My location: Cape Town, South Africa
Ni-shaat Bardien
First Name: Ni-shaat
Last Name: Bardien
University / College: Michaelis School of Fine Art
Course / Program: bachelor of arts in Fine art
Graduates: 2024
Specialisms: Fine Art / Photography / Textiles
My Location: Cape Town, South Africa
About
Ni-shaat Bardien, based in Cape Town, is a visual artist whose work resonates deeply with the Cape Malay heritage. Through her exhibition Spices, Threads, and Memory, she explores the intricate connections between food, family, and faith. Her art delves into her personal history and broader societal narratives, incorporating alternative photographic techniques like anthotypes and cyanotypes to foster a dialogue between the past and present. Ni-shaat's pieces, rich in traditional spices and detailed hand-craftsmanship such as crochet and embroidery, highlight the resilience of Cape Malay women. Passionate about education and the transmission of cultural knowledge. Her art not only preserves cultural memory but also encourages viewers to ponder identity and continuity amidst historical disruptions.
Spices, Threads and memory
Spices, Threads, and Memory is a deeply personal journey that unpacks my Cape Malay heritage through the lens of food, family, and faith. Each piece in this exhibition is like a page in a family album, where layers of memory, tradition, and identity are revealed. It’s an intimate exploration of who I am and where I come from, rooted in the stories, struggles, and resilience of my ancestors. Food is at the heart of this exploration. In my family, cooking was an act of love and survival, a way to preserve our heritage through generations. Spices like turmeric and paprika, essential to Cape Malay cuisine, become the core materials in my artistic process.
Competitions
