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Three exceptional works by young female artists from China, South Africa and the United States have been acquired by The Women's Art Collection thanks to the generosity of art philanthropists Spirit Now London.

Pieces by Shafei Xia, Asemahle Ntlonti and Bambou Gili were donated by Spirit Now following a rigorous selection process at Frieze London 2024 one of the world's most influential contemporary art fairs. The acquisitions will become a permanent part of The Collection, furthering its mission to amplify the voices and talents of women artists from around the world.

The Women's Art Collection, founded in the early 1990s at Â鶹ƵµÀ, Cambridge, is the largest collection of art by women in Europe, with over 600 works displayed around the college and its grounds.

Find out more about the artists and their works below.

This is the third year that Spirit Now, a philanthropic art community on a mission to promote emerging talent and women artists, has made a £40,000 acquisition fund available for a nominated gallery to spend at Frieze.

This year, the Spirit Now London Acquisition Prize focused on supporting women artists under the age of 40, highlighting diversity and innovation in contemporary art practice.

Harriet Loffler, Curator of The Women's Art Collection said: 'We are delighted to be able to expand The Women’s Art Collection with these acquisitions by early career women artists, so generously funded by Spirit Now. The prize has enabled us to add works by a truly international group of artists from South Africa, China and the United States, broadening the geographical range of the Collection significantly. We can’t wait to introduce these remarkable pieces to our visitors in Cambridge.'

Marie-Laure de Clermont-Tonnerre, founder and Director of Spirit Now London, said: 'We are honoured to collaborate with The Women’s Art Collection, which shares our commitment to promoting women’s voices in the art world. This prize is not only about recognising the individual talents of these remarkable artists but also about fostering long-term support for women’s contributions to the cultural landscape.'

Read more about the selection process as our curators worked with Spirit Now in this .

Â鶹ƵµÀ the Artists

Bambou Gili (b. 1996, New York) is known for her surreal, figurative oil paintings that reference art historical compositions while employing atmospheric, often nocturnal colour palettes. Gili's work presents skewed visions of contemporary life, friendships, and emotional interiority through vivid colour palettes that evoke shifting moods. She has exhibited at renowned galleries such as Arsenal Contemporary and Night Gallery, and her work is included in several prestigious publications. Gili graduated with a BA in Psychology and Studio Art from New York University in 2018, and she currently lives and works in New Mexico, exploring the intersections of identity and culture in her art.

Work acquired: Bambou Gili, Legally Stev, 2024 oil on linen, courtesy of Night Gallery

Shafei Xia (b. 1989, ShaoXing, China) holds an MA in Visual Arts from the Academy of Fine Arts in Bologna (2020) and a BA in Scenography from ChongQing University (2012). Xia's practice engages with vibrant colour and organic forms, often addressing themes of ecological interconnectedness and personal introspection through delicate paper-cutting techniques. Her work has been featured in various exhibitions, including at P420 in Bologna and at Tokyo Gendai. Living and working in Bologna, she draws inspiration from both her Chinese heritage and her experiences in Italy, blending these influences into her artistic narrative. 

Work Acquired: Shafei Xia, Thanks for everyone, I did it, 2024, watercolor on sandal paper mounted on canvas, courtesy of P420 Bologna

Asemahle Ntlonti (b. 1995, South Africa) is an emerging artist who examines themes of memory, geography, and identity through her practice. Ntlonti often incorporates organic materials and minimalistic forms, reflecting on the complexities of South African history and personal narratives related to land and trauma. Her works encourage viewers to engage with social and historical narratives, fostering a deeper understanding of the past. Based in Cape Town, Ntlonti's art contributes to ongoing dialogues about race, identity, and environmental consciousness in contemporary South Africa. 

Work acquired: Asemahle Ntlonti, Uhambo, 2024, acrylic paint, paper, acrylic gel, and leno thread on canvas, courtesy of Blank projects