Paul Pindani in CHINHOYI
TEENAGE artist, Tadiwanashe Mafuta, aims to preserve Zimbabwe’s pre-colonial history through his artwork, which he calls “Stroke of Brush”.
He hopes to instil a sense of pride and connection to African roots by encapsulating the struggles, triumphs and traditions of the country’s ancestors.
Mafuta’s art has been showcased in various exhibitions, including at the Embassy of Iran, where it received significant recognition and appreciation.
Despite facing challenges such as a lack of market and appreciation from the community, Mafuta believes that his unique talent for storytelling through art would be a valuable addition to the cultural heritage of the nation.
He also believes that having a career to focus on can keep youths away from engaging in drugs and alcohol abuse.
“My passion lies in painting stories of pre-colonial Zimbabwe, with the intention of preserving our rich history and cultural heritage through art.
“Through my artwork, I strive to encapsulate the narratives, struggles, and triumphs of our ancestors, as well as celebrate the vibrant traditions and customs that have shaped our beautiful nation,” said Mafuta.
Mafuta also believes that adequate publicity of his work can provide a wonderful platform to further amplify the significance of preserving the country’s history through art.
“I hope to not only share the stories of pre-colonial Zimbabwe with a wider audience, but also inspire others to treasure, appreciate and embrace our heritage.
“Moreover, the exposure gained from being featured on stories would greatly contribute to the reach and impact of my art, allowing it to be appreciated by a broader demographic, both locally and internationally,” said Mafuta.
He said his journey began when he was 13 years old after being inspired by top visual artists like Moffat Takadiwa and Julius Mushambadope.
He said one of his major challenges was a lack of market and appreciation for his artwork by the community.
“A lot of people in our neighbourhood don’t appreciate art that much. Another challenge is shortage of equipment to use,” he said.
Mafuta said focusing on one’s career can help prevent young people from falling into the lure of the destructive drugs and substance abuse.