Artist Statement

I am a student artist in my senior year at Young Harris College where I major in Fine Art and Graphic Design. I was born and raised in Harare, Zimbabwe, and am currently based in the United States. I have been interested in making art and expressing creativity for as long as I can remember. I like to draw inspiration from my culture and life around me as well as from film, fashion, literature, music and the way that I experiences the world around me through the lens of my Christian faith. My creative process is fueled by custom playlists, that I curate at the start of each new project and use to channel my emotions into visual storytelling. The main artists who have influenced my work are Temi Coker, Yinka Shonibare and Kehinde Wiley. Their influence has allowed me to develop my personal style to celebrate the African diaspora experience with authenticity and vibrancy. 

 

In my work, I aim to tell a vibrant tale of my Shona culture through the exploration of my life and personal experiences. My art is autobiographical and reflects the beauty, liveliness, and complexity of Zimbabwean life as well as the cultural hybridity that comes from being part of the African diaspora. My work prominently features traditional Ankara patterns, printed textiles, bold portraiture, and my signature colour, pink— which to me is a symbol of beauty, playfulness, resilience and just my personal touch. My work also aims to challenge African stereotypes by highlighting the beauty and richness of my culture while being careful not to shy away from the realities of hardship in Zimbabwe. The main themes of my work are family, community, womanhood, and Christian faith, all of which resonate deeply in all of my pieces. My design has a focus on branding and client work, such as logo design and advertisement.

 

As a studio artist and graphic designer, I enjoy blending fine art principles with design elements, while connecting with audiences through the tactile and dynamic beauty of my craft. I hope to add beauty to the otherwise mundane aspects of daily life, and I invite audiences to experience and share in heartfelt stories of my culture and upbringing.