Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. PARDON Mapondera began his first solo show at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe in Harare yesterday, which explores the rise ofspiritual intermediaries in Zimbabwe.
The exhibition is titled Dotipaiwo Chiyedza.The artist ventures into installation, wherein the works have drawn from the familiar with his use of condiment carafes as devices to objectify the relation between body and spirit.
The exhibition explores the rise of spiritual intermediaries in Zimbabwe, highlighting the rise of religious pluralism and new movements. It highlights the prevalence of pentecostal and charismatic Christianity, with over 84% of the population following these denominations.
The exhibition also highlights the integration of traditional African beliefs with Christian practices.
The thematic direction touches base on the alternative set against the classical; how a generation has immersed “trad” values in the coming to light of systemic fad value.
Mapondera’s work concentrates on the metaphorical inclinations in which the object represents clashing ideologies, their abuse and misuse through devices linked to mainstream faith, custom and mysticism.
“Through his work, Mapondera reflects on his own lived experiences, his doubts, revelations and moments of inner clarity, layering them with ancestral guidance and communal questioning,” said Fadzai Veronica Muchemwa, the exhibition’s curator. “Mapondera has created work about light and having the courage to seek it,” said co-curator Zvikomborero Mandangu.
Dotipaiwo Chiyedza runs until October.
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