Chikukuango Cuxima-zwa

Summary

Supervisors: Mary Richards & Barry Edwards

Research: Angolan Body Painting in the British Context 

Chikukuango Cuxima-Zwa is a performance artist from Angola who combines theory and practice, particularly focusing on the body as a vehicle to re-invent identity and to express personal and cultural concerns. The research of painted bodies draws from the roots of ancient traditions to create dance and ritual in an interaction with an audience.

In 2005 Chikukuango completed an MA in Art History and Archaeology at SOAS-University of London and before that a BA at Middlesex University in the Fine/ Live Art (2004).

His PhD thesis focuses on painted body as live performance as re-invention of the self and identity in the British context, and how the body as a primary instrument transports and narrates history and negotiate spaces through music, dance and ritual.