Moffat Takadiwa is a national treasure, a gifted contemporary artist whose influence extends globally. In a recent interview with Trevor, Takadiwa shed light on the challenges faced by many African artists—namely, the struggle for acceptance in their own countries and a lack of recognition for their talents. Takadiwa’s journey from Tengwe farm in Mashonaland, Zimbabwe, to establishing a gallery in Harare reflects the resilience needed to overcome such obstacles.
Having relocated to Harare to pursue art at Polytechnic college, Takadiwa initially grappled with a scarcity of materials. Opting for an unconventional approach, he turned to discarded items from the dumpsite, transforming refuse into captivating art pieces. Today, Takadiwa’s artwork graces galleries in Johannesburg, Tokyo, New York, and Paris, showcasing his unique ability to turn recycled materials into stunning creations.
Despite facing rejection and resistance, especially within his homeland, Takadiwa persevered. Limited support domestically for artists locally has stifled growth of talent especially in African countries. However, Takadiwa’s talent eventually gained international recognition, with his art now adorning the homes of celebrities such as Jay-Z, Beyoncé, and Kevin Hart.
In conversation with Trevor, Takadiwa said that his art is a reflection of post-independent Zimbabwe, encapsulating what he terms the “colonial hangover”. This historical theme intricately weaves through his pieces, inviting viewers to delve deeper into the layers of his creativity. Notable figures worldwide have become collectors of multiple Takadiwa art pieces.
Takadiwa leaves us with insightful quotes: “Make a fire, someone will see the smoke” and “It’s a small fishpond; we need to swim in the ocean.”
The historic launch of Takadiwa’s art exhibition at the Zimbabwe National Art Gallery drew over 1000 attendees, shattering visitation records dating back to the 1950s. This achievement underscores Takadiwa’s rising influence and the growing appreciation for contemporary Zimbabwean art.
For those captivated by the art world, we highly recommend tuning into Trevor and Moffat’s conversation. It’s inspiring to witness Zimbabwe’s emergence as a hub for Global Contemporary Art, with artists commanding prices exceeding $1 million per piece. Recent news of Portia Zvavahera’s artwork fetching over $250,000 at auction further solidifies the industry’s well-deserved recognition from an African perspective.
