Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, Frances Goodman developed a practice that bridges the gap between fine art and the aesthetics of personal adornment. She studied at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg before completing an MA at Goldsmiths College in London, establishing a foundation that blends conceptual rigor with tactile, material-focused production.

Goodman is widely recognized for her large-scale installations and wall-based works that utilize thousands of acrylic nails to create intricate, skin-like textures. Her practice investigates the societal pressures placed on women, examining how beauty rituals, fashion, and domestic objects serve as both tools of self-expression and instruments of social constraint.

Her work has been featured in numerous international exhibitions and is held in various public and private collections. She continues to live and work in Johannesburg, where she maintains a studio practice that frequently challenges traditional notions of craft and gendered labor.