Tega Tafadzwa
Biography
Tega Tafadzwa (b. 1985) is a Zimbabwean-born artist, currently based in Cape Town, South Africa. Being born and raised in an artistic family, Tafadzwa commenced with his art studies and exhibited at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe, where he had his first solo show. After moving to Cape Town to pursue his artistic career, Tafadzwa found his main artistic inspiration in the face of the immigrant communities in the city.
Tafadzwa positively interprets the journeys of different people he meets in Cape Town, who share a similar fate to his own. Through his use of live models and photographs, Tafadzwa embraces the challenges which one faces as a foreigner. His artworks recompose the stories of strangers and friends, which inspired the bright and colorful painterly settings. Under his direction, his subjects take center stage, adopting somewhat theatrical poses – emphasizing a sense of grandiosity and pride in the face of change. Each portrait’s background pays homage to Tafadzwa’s deep sense of self and his Zimbabwean heritage. A wallpaper of Zumbani (the tea leaf from the fever tree) is a common motif in his canvases: the graphic curtains reflect the artist’s connection to the traditional plant, often used in his home country as a medicinal aid. This visual reference carries a powerful personal message for the artist: Zumbani acts as a symbol of his birth home, a token of remembrance, and as a protective talisman for the unknown journey ahead.
Tafadzwa’s work is radiant, hopeful, and filled with symbolism. Through reimagining his own life experiences, the artist creates a universal visual language which invites the viewer to explore the stories of those who face profound challenges in their personal journeys.
Works
Exhibitions
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Contemporary Figuration: Between Body & Metaphor
14 Dec 2023 - 27 Jan 2024The body is a physical and material being. However, it can also reflect a person's spirit, sense of 'self' or embrace metaphors of our contemporary age. This exhibition seeks to...Read more -
Tega Tafadzwa: RWENDO – WHICH MEANS JOURNEY
12 Oct - 4 Nov 2022JD Malat Gallery is thrilled to present the first solo exhibition by Tega Tafadzwa RWENDO - WHICH MEANS JOURNEY, curated in collaboration with Africa First and on view at JD...Read more
Press
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Contemporary Figuration: Between body & Metaphor
Meer, January 16, 2024 -
A Refreshing Take on Figurative Painting at JD Malat Gallery
Lee Sharrock, CULTURALEE, December 18, 2023 -
ART PLUGGED: Contemporary Figuration: Between Body & Metaphor
Art Plugged, December 15, 2023 -
“THE ARTS AND ANTIQUES SCENE IN LONDON THIS AUTUMN,” ENQUIRER UK
Enquire UK, November 7, 2022
Publications