Moffat Takadiwa | The artiste who Jay Z and Beyonce admires
Contemporary visual artist Moffat Takadiwa has grown to become a household name on the global art scene.
Some of his artworks have found their way into the homes of celebrities such as Jay Z and Beyonce.
Turning waste into art
The artiste revealed that the 2008 crisis in Zimbabwe inspired him to transform garbage into artistic artifacts.
Takadiwa employs a variety of discarded items such as bottles, spray paint, perfume cans, old toothbrushes, and electronic waste to create his diverse artworks.
In an interview with Trevor Ncube, the chairman of Alpha Media Holdings, on the platform “In Conversation with Trevor,” Takadiwa explained how the national crisis compelled him to turn to art.
Recounting his days as an arts student at Harare Polytechnic between 2006 and 2008, he described the scarcity of traditional art materials during that tumultuous period.
Faced with these challenges, he and his fellow students had to seek alternative materials to produce their work and complete assignments.
Takadiwa attributed his inclination towards using garbage in his art to his upbringing and surroundings.
Surrounded by consumables throughout his teenage years, he developed a fascination with objects, their aesthetics, designs, and colors.
His artistic endeavors primarily aim to breathe new life into these otherwise lifeless materials.
By examining everyday refuse, which represents the consumer objects and discarded items, Takadiwa seeks to depict the everyday lives of Zimbabweans and tell their stories through his artwork.
Employment opportunities
Furthermore, Takadiwa emphasized that his art has generated employment opportunities.
He has assembled a small team of individuals who scour garbage sites for materials, many of whom were previously homeless.
By involving them in his artistic process, he not only transforms their lives but also mobilizes specific items that are brought back to his studio.
Takadiwa’s artistic approach delves into the narratives surrounding discarded objects, carefully observing the material preferences of Zimbabweans.
He raises thought-provoking questions, such as the prevalence of perfume cans in dumpsites, aiming to highlight specific communities, societies, or groups of people through his work.
His work serves as a reflection on the habits, behaviors, and choices of Zimbabwean society.
Who is Moffat Takadiwa?
Moffat Takadiwa, born in 1983 in Karoi, is a renowned visual artist based in Harare, Zimbabwe.
As a prominent figure among Zimbabwe’s post-independence generation of artists, Takadiwa has gained recognition both locally and internationally.
His work has been featured in numerous exhibitions at esteemed institutions, showcasing his talent and unique artistic vision.
Takadiwa is not only a prolific artist but also an influential mentor in the artist community.
He played a crucial role in founding the Mbare Art Space in Harare, where he actively supports and guides emerging artists in their creative journeys.
This commitment to nurturing talent demonstrates his dedication to the growth and development of the art scene in Zimbabwe.
His recent exhibitions have attracted significant attention and acclaim.
In 2023, Takadiwa held a solo exhibition titled “Zero Zero” at Semiose in Paris, France.
He also presented his solo exhibition “Vestiges of Colonialism” at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe in Harare during the same year.
His works were featured in the exhibition “A Love Letter to LA” curated by Storm Ascher at the Superposition Gallery, Phillips Auction House in Los Angeles.
Takadiwa’s international presence extends beyond France and the United States.
He participated in exhibitions such as “Nous sommes tous des lichens” at the Musée d’art contemporain de la Haute-Vienne – château de Rochechouart in 2022 and “Brutalized Language” at Nicodim in New York in the same year.
His solo exhibition “Witch Craft: Rethinking Power” took place at Craft Contemporary in Los Angeles in 2021, further solidifying his reputation as an artist exploring thought-provoking themes.
The artist’s works have also been displayed in prominent institutions worldwide, including the ARoS Museum in Denmark for the exhibition “This is Not Africa: Unlearn What You Have Learned” in 2021.
In 2020, he participated in the exhibition “INXS: Never Before Seen Major Works by Simphiwe Ndzube, Moffat Takadiwa, Zhou Yilun” at Nicodim in Los Angeles, showcasing his captivating artistic expressions.
Among his notable solo exhibitions, “Mr. Foreman you have destroyed the farm” was held at Semiose in Paris, France in 2021, while “Son of the Soil” took place at Nicodim in Los Angeles in 2019.
His works were also included in exhibitions such as “Thread.” at the Long Beach Museum of Art in 2019 and “Stormy Weather” at the Museum Arnhem in Arnhem, The Netherlands, in the same year.
Takadiwa’s talent and artistic exploration have garnered attention beyond traditional boundaries.
His works were featured in the exhibition “Second Hand: Selected Works from the Jameel Art Collection” at the Jameel Arts Centre in Dubai in 2019, as well as in “Material Insanity” at the Museum of African Contemporary Art Al Maaden in Marrakech in the same year.
His participation in exhibitions like “The Eye Sees Not Itself” at Nicodim in Los Angeles in 2018 and “Chinafrika. under construction” at the Museum for Contemporary Art Leipzig in 2017 further showcase his versatility and global impact.
Moffat Takadiwa’s artistic journey continues to captivate audiences worldwide, and his contributions to the art community in Zimbabwe are invaluable.
Through his exhibitions and mentorship, he inspires fellow artists and pushes the boundaries of contemporary art, leaving an indelible mark on the cultural landscape.
