Immersed in the rich colour and smell of spices, a young Mitchell’s Plain artist’s final-year exhibition, draws you into her Cape Malay culture.

Using what is referred to as the anthotype process which involves the use of plant dyes to make photographs, Nishaat Bardien used spices such as turmeric, paprika and masala to create photographs on fabric and paper.

Nishaat, 22, from Lentegeur, recently completed the final year of her Bachelor in Fine Arts degree at the UCT’s Michaelis School of Fine Art in the city centre.

But this reality nearly remained just a dream.

“Despite my growing passion, I often encountered skepticism about art as a viable career. Many around me echoed the age-old adage that artists tend to gain recognition only posthumously, which led me to reluctantly sideline my artistic aspirations in favour of more conventional subjects like mathematics, accounting, and science during my school years,” Nishaat explained.

She was recognised as one of the top students at Spine Road High School, often achieving straight A’s.

“From my earliest memories, creativity has been a central part of my life. I vividly recall spending hours engrossed in art shows and diligently following YouTube tutorials that taught me the fundamentals of drawing, painting, and the principles of colour theory.

Nishaat Bardien from Mitchell’s Plain wants to start teaching art to other upcoming artists.

Through painting vibrant murals on the walls of her English teacher’s classroom or dabbling in graphic design, Nishaat experimented with various forms and styles, absorbing the technical skills that allowed her to express her creative vision digitally.

“These projects, though side pursuits, kept my artistic flame alive,” she said.

As the time approached to apply to university, Nishaat faced the daunting task of having to choose a career path, staring at options such as accounting, engineering and science.

“None sparked passion or excitement. It was during this period of uncertainty that I discovered the Fine Art programme,” she said.

So she compiled some of her sketches and artworks into a portfolio, and submitted them with both “hope and trepidation”.

“Given the competitive nature of admissions at one of South Africa’s top art institutions, I was placed on a waiting list — an outcome that did little to settle my nerves,” she said.

After completing her matric examinations and officially graduating from high school, she received the exhilarating news of her acceptance.

“I was thrust into a vibrant world of artistic practices. Each course challenged me to step out of my comfort zone and explore new artistic dimensions.

“It was through engaging with numerous theory electives that I discovered a newfound appreciation for history, religion, and language — fields that enriched my understanding of the arts,” Nishaat said.

Photography quickly became her academic focus, but it was not until her third year that she truly found her niche in alternative photographic processes.

Nishaat Bardien shows off her latest project using a process called anthotype, which sees her using spices to create photographs onto fabric and paper.

This specialisation allowed her to blend historical inquiry with artistic creation, using her work to delve into and reinterpret the rich tapestries of history, tradition, religion, and culture.

Speaking about how the anthotype process influenced her artistry, Nishaat said: “This approach not only transformed my own artistic practice but also aimed to offer fresh perspectives on understanding and appreciating these complex subjects through the lens of art.”

After completing her Bachelors, she plans to pursue a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) and eventually go into teaching.

However, she added: “Although I’m focusing on my postgraduate studies right now, I am also dedicated to continuing my art practice and aim to expand my portfolio.”

“In the near term, I am excited about the prospect of training to become a visual arts teacher.“

Her latest exhibition, titled Spices, Threads, and Memory: Reclaiming Cape Malay Identity Through Food, Family, and Faith, was recently shown in Cape Town as part of her final-year project.

“The exhibition delved into the Cape Malay culture, a central part of her heritage and the legacy of my family, especially her mother and grandmothers,” she said.

At the heart of the exhibition were her anthotypes, with the method not only creating visually striking images but also bringing out the rich smells of the spices, making the experience immersive and evocative of family gatherings.

You can view her exhibition catalogue and

The work of Nishaat Bardien, from Lentegeur, was exhibited at the Michaelis School of Fine Arts recently.

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