Artist's Statement

As a visual artist, l have developed a sixth sense and a third eye to create images of art that have creative meaning and are engaging. My goal in creating art is very simple – to organically create original works of art whilst enjoying the creative process. I am greatly concerned with understanding my medium and creating artworks that are bold, ambitious, enlightening, challenging but at the same times delights the eye. My desire is to create art that stands on its own and that has a strong universal message.

I can describe my paintings as semi realistic in a sense, some have called them modern and others surreal. I work mainly with acrylic paint on canvas, at times experimenting with oil and other mediums. Inspiration for me comes from almost everything.  This may sound like an overused statement but l have discovered that my inspiration comes from many different sources such that it would be hard to list just one. From just a walk down the street or experiencing an event, observing my surroundings, a conversation with a friend, or from something l have seen on television, an idea comes up. More often, inspiration comes from experiences with others or with my environment.

My work highlights various socio-political issues in Africa. Recent solo exhibitions include Open Agenda, 2014; My Reality, 2012. Recent art fairs platforms include Cape Town Art Fair, 2014 - 15; 1:54 Contemporary Art Fair, London, UK, 2013; 2015 and New York, USA, 2015 Jo’burg Art Fair, Johannesburg, S.A 2012-15. Recent group shows include Spectra, Johans Borman Fine Art, Cape Town, Sanlam National Portrait Award Top 40 exhibition, Cape Town, 2013; Claim of the Land, Association for Visual Arts (AVA Gallery), 2015; Zimbabwe Annual Exhibition , National Gallery Zimbabwe, 2014; Colour Africa, Munich, Germany, 2011; Past and Present: 40 years, Gallery Delta, Harare, 2015.  

Artist's Links

artist website:   www.richardmudariki.com