‘Inside’, Collage, 2020
Nkumbu Mutambo is a designer and researcher fascinated by the complex and wonderful world of objects and practices which exist at the intersection of fashion, culture and identity.
Having trained and worked as a creative practitioner, Mutambo explores the intersection of history, identity and design through a diverse range of approaches. She aims to engage in research and creative practice which centres on the voices of people and groups that have been marginalised though developing and disseminating research and practice outputs that are aimed at understanding and communicating the impact of the growth and development of the creative and cultural sector.
Mutambo uses the approach of speculative design as a way to imagine an expression of ‘Zambian’ fashion that is in direct dialogue with certain narratives and histories which have been marginalised and lost.
Analog sketches, 2022
“In case you’re wondering if these have a point, I think for me it’s primarily about relocating myself in the idea of fashion. Placing an African body outside the limits of what is and what is expected.”- Mutambo, 2020
‘Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe was a leader in the independence struggle and the Vice president of Zambia from 1967-70.He also served as the minister of culture.’
Fabric samples. Made from bark, 2020