Born in Cape Town, South Africa, Thania Petersen studied at the Michaelis School of Fine Art at the University of Cape Town. Her practice is deeply rooted in her heritage, often examining the intersection of personal history and the broader socio-political landscape of post-apartheid South Africa.

Her work frequently utilizes photography and elaborate costume to interrogate the representation of Muslim identity and the legacy of colonial influence in the Cape. She often positions herself as the subject of her own photographic series, blending traditional cultural motifs with contemporary artistic critique.

Petersen has achieved significant institutional recognition, with her work held in the permanent collections of the Smithsonian's National Museum of African Art and the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa. Her multidisciplinary approach continues to be a focal point for discussions regarding contemporary African art and cultural preservation.