Dorothy Nyembe, Thamsanqa (Thami) Mnyele, 1984
Thamsanqa (Thami) MnyeleSouth African, 1948–1985

Dorothy Nyembe

1984 · Print

Can I see it?

Not on view at present

Where is “Dorothy Nyembe” now? Collection: Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago. Not on view at present. Checked September 29, 2026.

Art Institute of Chicago

Chicago, United States

It belongs to the collection, but is not on display at present.

Checked
In this state since
Source
The museum

About the work

Dorothy Nyembe was an anti-apartheid activist who spent much of her adult life imprisoned and, even when free, was subject to government banning orders that restricted where she could travel and with whom she could associate. The text above and below her portrait describes Nyembe as a “symbol of resistance” and reminds viewers of the 15 years she spent behind bars for supporting the African National Congress’s military wing, Umkhonto we Sizwe (Spear of the Nation).

Art Institute of ChicagoCC BY 4.0

Details

Accession number
2018.440

In the catalog

Sources

All works

On view at Art Institute of Chicago

Museum page