Moffat Takadiwa is one of a number of Zimbabwean artists who are flying the flag high internationally. On November 5, 2015 he opened his first international solo exhibition, “Foreign Objects” at the Tyburn Gallery in London, which will run through January 9, 2016.
Takadiwa’s “Foreign Objects” exhibition demonstrates the style he’s become known for – incorporating found materials into his art, including spray-can debris, plastic bottle tops, and discarded electrical goods. As Tyburn Gallery says about his work,
“Through the works exhibited, Takadiwa engages our senses, both literally and visually, as a unique way for identifying foreign materials, items and objects.”
Takadiwa told Zimbo Jam that the show had a great opening and special preview on November 4, and that it “…has attracted very positive attention from the international art media. I have been doing interview after interview!”
Takadiwa also told Zimbo Jam about the challenges of being a contemporary artist in Zimbabwe right now:
“The biggest challenge is that the Zimbabwe contemporary art community is very fragmented, so it is hard to get support from others and that makes it hard to get a breakthrough. I have been going round and round, but I am happy that I finally have international attention for my work. I hope to change the game in Zim as I believe in sharing and encouraging others.”
Takadiwa is no stranger to art aficionados in Zimbabwe and abroad. In 2012, his solo exhibition “Africa Not Reachable!” was presented by the First Floor Gallery in Harare. He has also exhibited in collaboration with Australian artist Simeon Nelson, as well as participated in group exhibitions in the UK, South Africa, the U.S.A., the Netherlands, and Zimbabwe. Takadiwa has won numerous awards, including the Award of Attendance from The Zimbabwe Olympic Committee, Harare, Zimbabwe in 2012 and an Award of Merit and Special Mention Prize for exhibitions at Gallery Delta, Harare, Zimbabwe both in 2010.
