Mabahambe

The Mimmo Scognamiglio Artecontemporanea gallery presents the third solo exhibition by artist Tafadzwa Tega: following Zumbani in 2022 and Exodus in 2023, the gallery is pleased to host the solo show entitled Mabahambe, featuring ten recently produced works.

Mabahambe, a powerful word used in the Zulu language to express rejection, anger, or demands for change in political contexts, is the title of this exhibition project, which explores the experience of being a foreigner and the challenges faced by those who live in the diaspora out of necessity.
The exhibition examines the themes of migration, belonging, identity, and social and cultural integration, drawing on the personal experiences of Tega and his family members.
Tega’s paintings stem from his deep connection to his past and his homeland: the canvases portray friends and kin in moments of sharing and community, such as preparing delicious food for someone who has suffered a loss or is going through a difficult time in their life, a gesture deeply rooted in Zimbabwean culture. In addition, the artist has long been collecting the testimonies of people and personalities who frequent his studio and share with him their stories of migration, their experiences in their new host country, and the culture of their country of origin. Tafadzwa Tega’s painting has the ability to reunite the present and the past, like the many stories and people who come together in his canvases to tell the story of the transition of an entire community.
The floral wallpaper that characterizes the background of each painting, as is now a tradition for the artist, represents the period of English colonization that caused many traditions to change in African homes. The English tradition itself is something that comes from afar and represents the cultural contamination inherent in humanity. Furthermore, the objects that animate the scene, together with friends and relatives, clearly speak of the most difficult moments experienced by the artist and his family during their move from one country to another. In fact, we see objects that we recognize as bags used during a move, contrasted with a reproduction of the famous Brillo Box, which instead speaks to us of the expectations placed on the effort of moving, such as the ambition to pursue a career as an artist.
With his project, the artist wants to convey the message and the need for migrants to be treated as human beings rather than arousing compassion; he believes that, although integration may be an elusive concept, humanity and shared culture should be a privilege.