Raised amidst the bustling vibrancy of Harare, Zimbabwe, my childhood defied the traditional girlish archetype. The eldest of three and the ringleader of a boisterous group of cousins, I was more acquainted with scraped knees than tea parties. My father, whose career in Telecommunications whisked him across countries, infused our home life with a sense of global adventure, making our reunions at the airport events of pure joy. In my youth, I embraced art with the enthusiasm of a calling.
Despite a natural aptitude in many subjects, it was the allure of Art and Design that captured my heart during my O-levels, a bold move that bucked the expectations of a future in the sciences. My high school nurtured this passion, believing that our careers should be extensions of our innermost selves, not just societal expectations.
My journey in the arts has been both a pilgrimage and a declaration of independence. From my Fine Arts degree at the University of the Witwatersrand to my role as a curator at Harare’s Tsoko Gallery, where I launched initiatives to fuse art with activism, my path has been marked by a tenacious refusal to succumb to the “starving artist” trope. However, the real crucible of my artistic identity was my time in France at La Maison Rouge. Here, amid Parisian splendour, I learned to weave the threads of my African heritage into a broader tapestry of global artistry. This period crystallised my commitment to art as a practice and a platform for dialogue and transformation.
I’ve worn many hats: curator, activist, and arts administrator. Each role has been a stepping-stone toward a larger goal to amplify African voices in the visual arts. Alongside Wallen Mapondera, I co-founded the Post Studio Arts Collective, championing Zimbabwean artistry. Our projects, like “Paint my Teapot” in Madagascar, showcase the symbiotic relationship between art, sustainability, and community.
My narrative is also one of resilience and self-acceptance, influenced heavily by my mother’s strength and grace. In a world where colourism casts long shadows, she was my beacon, guiding me toward a self-love that transcended societal biases. The indelible impact of role models like Alek Wek, and later Lupita Nyong’o, provided a mirror in which to see my potential reflected.
My life has been punctuated by trials
The abandonment by my father in my early twenties is one of the most defining, It was a baptism by fire into adulthood, reshaping my views on family, faith, and femininity. In those years, I learned that the only rescue comes from within, and it was my faith in God that provided the compass to navigate these tumultuous waters. As I’ve matured, my art has evolved from intellectual exercises to soulful expressions, mirroring my journey toward a holistic embrace of my identity. The detours into science fiction literature, my affection for music, and my culinary escapades through the city’s cafes are the spices that enrich my palette of creativity.
Looking ahead, my ambitions are clear: to leave a legacy of fulfilment and purpose, and to forge a path where my art and advocacy resonate with authenticity and impact.
The Birth of Terracotta, the Gallery
I envision Terracotta, my new art space, as a beacon for cultural exchange and artistic exploration. Terracotta is a Fine Art Gallery which champions a unique approach, showcasing diverse artworks through online exhibitions. These exhibitions are presented as explorations of creative productions. Our inaugural exhibition, titled “Gray Matter,” is a solo show produced by Creative Producer / Curator Merilyn Mushakwe, featuring the work of artist Tamirirashe Zizhou.
Curatorial Statement:
In this captivating collection of maps, Zizhou presents a unique perspective on human settlement patterns, routes, structures, and terrain. With a delicate harmony between shapes inspired by nature and those shaped by human activity, “Grey Matter” invites us to contemplate our movement, progress, and search for shelter and the interconnected paths we leave behind on our shared earth. “Gray Matter” explores the lasting imprint that human activity leaves on the globe. As we traverse through life, build structures, create transportation systems, and navigate our surroundings, our paths become interwoven, crisscrossing one another. Zizhou presents this web of interconnectedness as a visual representation of our collective impact. Each map is an invitation to delve into the complexities of our human experience, prompting questions about how we navigate our world and connect.
To my future self, I extend this counsel, embrace your struggles openly, seek guidance, and nourish relationships that elevate you. Remember, the foundations you lay now will uphold the architecture of your future. Pursue self-discovery, embrace your worth, and let these be the cornerstones of a life lived to its utmost potential.
