Moffat Takadiwa, a Zimbabwean artist based in Mbare, Harare, has spent the last decade collecting discarded items such as computer keyboards, toothbrushes, pens, and bottle caps. These seemingly mundane objects serve as the building blocks for Takadiwa’s intricate artworks, which feature sweeping, abstract forms that highlight vibrant colors and organic shapes from a distance. However, upon closer inspection, viewers can discern the deconstructed elements that make up these expansive tapestries.
Located in Mbare, a neighborhood known for its bustling informal economy centered around recycling and reselling imported electronics and plastics, Takadiwa draws inspiration from the local landscape. He taps into the city’s rich history of repurposing materials and incorporates this ethos into his artistic practice.
Takadiwa is part of a growing movement of African artists who exclusively work with recycled or repurposed materials, following in the footsteps of renowned artists like El Anatsui and Ifeoma U. Anyaeji. His latest solo exhibition, “The Reverse Deal,” at Semiose in Paris, delves into themes of colonialism, geography, global trade, and the visual potential of language. The title itself references historical trade agreements that shaped the economic and political landscape of colonized African regions.
One of the central motifs in Takadiwa’s work is the circle, symbolizing infinity and found in everyday objects. This shape also echoes the outline of Great Zimbabwe, a medieval capital that spanned present-day Zimbabwe and Mozambique. The artist explores the significance of waterways as transport routes for goods, both in the past and present, and reflects on the lasting impact of colonialism on contemporary society.
Curator N’Gonné Fall describes Takadiwa’s works as narratives produced by algorithms, each piece offering a unique perspective on interconnected communities and shared histories. Through his art, Takadiwa aims to bridge the gap between the past and present, offering a decolonized vocabulary that speaks to the complexities of our globalized world.
“The Reverse Deal” exhibition runs in Paris until November 16, showcasing Takadiwa’s large-scale works that invite viewers to contemplate the intersections of history, culture, and identity. For more of Takadiwa’s captivating artwork, you can visit Nicodim or follow the artist on Instagram.
