In her work, Otobong Nkanga examines the social and geographical transformations occurring in her environment. She challenges the conventional notions of identity by exploring the idea of land as a place of non-belonging, revealing the memories and historical impacts caused by human and natural influences. Nkanga's work integrates all aspects of our surroundings, acknowledging the complexities of resources such as soil and earth and their potential significance in prompting stories and narratives about the land.In her role as an anthropologist, Nkanga investigates the violent means by which disputed minerals and objects are extracted from their natural habitats, situating the colonization process in a contemporary context. By doing so, she re-envisions our connection to our everyday surroundings and prompts contemplation of the historical framework of a place, both physically and metaphysically.Born in Kano, Nigeria in 1974, Otobong Nkanga currently resides and works in Antwerp, Belgium.