In this paper, I investigate the evolving visualisations of the female form in selected South African art, particularly among emerging female artists. Drawing from feminist critiques that expose the historical sexualisation and patriarchal depictions of women in the canons of art history from around the world, I examine contemporary visual strategies used in representing the female body, seeking to determine if there has been any shift from traditional misogynistic depictions of women.

Using the Sasol New Signatures Art Competition digital archives from 2013 to 2023, I conduct a qualitative content analysis of selected artworks that made it to the final round to identify emergent themes in the works of young South African female artists.

This paper contributes to ongoing feminist critiques and activism over the misrepresentation of the female body by showing how the current generation of women artists creates redemptive depictions of the female form.