In case you missed it, Tafadzwa Masudi’s recent exhibition titled “We’ve done what we can” showcased a new body of work that looked into the experiences of migrants leaving their home countries. He presented a narrative that shed light on the challenges faced by migrants as they start anew in foreign lands.
Masudi’s paintings depicted figures filled with ambition, dressed stylishly, and radiating optimism. Balloons played a significant role in his artwork, symbolizing both celebration and the uncertainty of the migrants’ situations. Positioned as masks, these balloons reminded viewers that their dreams and aspirations could pop at any moment.
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The artist incorporated thick, patterned, flower-like designs in his paintings, which were actually doilies. These doilies held a special significance for Tafadzwa, as they were reminiscent of the ones his mother and aunt used to make. They would then travel from Harare to Mozambique and Botswana to sell them, showcasing the strength and determination of the women in his life.
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Born in 1988, Tafadzwa discovered his passion for painting at an early age while assisting a family friend in Harare. In 2010, he moved to South Africa worked in a clothing factory until 2020 when he was laid off. This turn of events provided him with the opportunity to pursue painting full-time, leading to his artwork being featured in group exhibitions in Cape Town.
Reflecting on his own experiences as a migrant, he explained, “Circumstances forced me to leave my country of birth and become a migrant. I relate to people who had to travel elsewhere to create a better life, and this is what I currently paint. Images that show their sense of self, their dreams, and their aspirations.”
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“The balloons are not just masks of optimism or celebration,” Masudi shared. “They also represent the composed pressure under which some of us live. A balloon can pop at any moment, yet it represents happiness and celebration. That balloon is me staying calm under difficult circumstances while chasing the dream of a bright future.”
