Helena Uambembe was born in Pomfret, South Africa, to Angolan parents who fled the civil war. Her father was a soldier in the 32 Battalion, a military unit within the South African Defence Force made up primarily of black Angolan men.
The 32 Battalion, Pomfret and her Angolan heritage are dominant themes in Uambembe’s work, in which she explores narratives surrounding history and place, interweaving connected symbols and archival material.
Uambembe was one of the Bag Factory’s three 2019 David Koloane Award winners.
In addition to her own practice, Uambembe is a member of the collective Kutala Chopeto, alongside partner Teresa Kutala Firmino.
© Jahmek
Helena Uambembe is represented by Jahmek Art Contemporary