Born in New York, Tschabalala Self developed a distinct artistic practice that bridges the gap between painting and collage. Her work is deeply influenced by the legacy of African-American artists such as Romare Bearden, adopting a process that involves sewing together collected fabrics and discarded remnants of her own previous works onto canvas.

Her signature style centers on the depiction of the Black female body, which she portrays as a site of agency and freedom. By layering various textures and materials, she constructs figures that challenge historical stereotypes and societal constraints, aiming to establish new, autonomous narratives for the Black body within the contemporary art canon.

Self continues to receive significant institutional recognition for her contributions to contemporary art. Her work is frequently included in major museum collection presentations and acquisitions, reflecting her ongoing impact on the discourse surrounding identity, power, and representation in visual culture.