Colbert Mashile has risen to prominence both nationally and internationally as a young South African artist who comments on cultural customs, traditions, and rituals. Born in Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga, an area steeped in cultural norms and customs, Mashile had to undergo circumcision rites as a youngster. The emotional trauma he experienced and resulting questions about the psychological impact of initiation rituals influence his art-making.

Mashile began his training at the Johannesburg Art Foundation. He then attended the University of Witwatersrand between 1996 and 2000, where he graduated with a BA in Fine Art. He received two awards for outstanding performance whilst studying for his undergraduate degree, and...