Otobong Nkanga is a multidisciplinary artist recognized for her tapestries, sculptures, and performances that examine the intersection of natural resources, human labor, and the environment. Her work frequently addresses the complex histories of land and the physical impact of extraction.
Born in Nigeria in 1974, Otobong Nkanga is a visual artist currently based in Antwerp, Belgium. Her practice emerged through a focus on the relationship between the human body and the environment, often utilizing diverse media to map the movement and transformation of materials across global landscapes.
Nkanga is widely known for her large-scale tapestries, installations, and sculptural works that serve as conduits for exploring ecological themes and the socio-political implications of resource extraction. Her work often bridges the gap between personal narrative and broader historical systems of trade and labor.
Her international recognition continues to grow, marked by her selection for the 61st Venice Biennale and a major 2026 retrospective organized by the Cantonal Museum of Fine Arts and the Musée d'Art Moderne de Paris. Additionally, she has been appointed to the Global Council of the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa, further cementing her influence in the contemporary art landscape.
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