by Staff Writer
For art and literature enthusiasts, monographs of Zimbabwean artists are essential additions to any collection. A monograph is a comprehensive publication dedicated to the work of a single artist, offering various perspectives—from thorough retrospectives to focused studies of specific series or individual pieces.
A well-crafted monograph delivers profound insights into an artist's techniques, thematic explorations, and the broader cultural context of their work. This is why prestigious galleries like David Zwirner and Pace Gallery have established their own publishing divisions, underscoring the significance of these publications in the art world.
Here is a selection of monographs of leading Zimbabwean contemporaray artists that every art aficionado should consider for their bookshelf:
Misheck Masamvu's "Still"
Misheck Masamvu's book titled "Still" is a compelling monograph that delves into the socio-political landscape of Zimbabwe through his vivid and often unsettling paintings. Published to accompany the exhibition Hata at Goodman Gallery in Cape Town, 2019, the 149 page book includes an introduction by Emma Laurence and a conversation between curator Gabi Ngcobo and Masamvu.
The title of his Cape Town exhibition, Hata refers to a Shona word for a cushion used to soften the load atop one’s head, metaphorically reflecting the themes in the work that were showcased in the exhibition.
Portia Zvavahera's "Portia Zvavahera"
Portia Zvavahera's book self titled "Portia Zvavahera" is a captivating monograph published by mega gallery David Zwirner Books in 2023. It delves into her dreamlike and emotive paintings created during a period of intense solitude and global struggle.
Zvavahera's works are known for their expressive use of color and texture, depicting deeply personal and spiritual themes. This book includes reproductions of twenty-four paintings, detailed close-ups, and installation views, along with an essay by Meredith A. Brown and an interview with the artist by Allie Biswas, offering an intimate look at her creative process and personal experiences.
Moffat Takadiwa"Pleased to Meet You."
Moffat Takadiwa's monograph, "Pleased to Meet You," is published on the occasion of Witch Craft: Re-thinking Power at Craft Contemporary. This is the first dedicated publication to focus on the work of the Zimbabwe-based artist. Richly illustrated in full color with installation photographs and many photos of the artist at work, the book features a conversation with Moffat Takadiwa by Morad Montazami, Ignatius T. Mabasa’s "A Baobab Tree House and a Tall Pet Giraffe," and "Witch Craft / Which Craft: Moffat Takadiwa Punctures Western Power Structures" by Holly Jerger, curator of Takadiwa’s solo exhibition at Craft Contemporary. The monograph is published in English, French, and Shona by Semiose Éditions in collaboration with Craft Contemporary and Nicodim Gallery in 2022.
Gareth Nyandoro's 'Gareth Nyandoro.'
Gareth Nyandoro's body of work is comprehensively covered in two notable catalogues. The first, titled Gareth Nyandoro, is produced by Tiwani Contemporary. This publication features an introduction by Adélaïde Blanc, who curated Nyandoro’s 2017 solo exhibition at the Palais de Tokyo. It also includes and essay by Cape Town-based writer, critic, and editor Sean O’Toole, discussing the notions of ‘cutting’ and ‘spilling’ in Nyandoro’s practice against the backdrop of Zimbabwe’s colonial past and ‘southern urbanism’—city life in the global South. Launched alongside a solo presentation of Nyandoro's work at Art Basel Miami Beach in December 2019, this publication was supported by the A. G. Leventis Foundation.
The second publication is published by SMAC Gallery in the same year, on the occasion of Nyandoro's exhibition at SMAC Johannesburg. This hardcover book includes essays such as "Street Slang and Guerrilla Tactics: Gareth Nyandoro's 'Kuchekacheka'" by Ruth Simbao and Masimba Hwati, and "Encounter" by Tafadzwa Gwetai. The catalogue delves into Nyandoro's unique "Kucheka Cheka" technique and his reflections on urban Zimbabwean life.
Richard Mudariki's 'Ndini Here' and more
Richard Mudariki stands out as one of the most extensively published Zimbabwean contemporary artists, with three influential books and four solo exhibition catalogues to his name. His publications include Muwongorori (The Observer) published by Artco Gallery in 2016, featuring contributroy texts by Marc Stanes and Dr. Joseph Gulpers, an interview with Gaynor Tutani, and an essay by Mudariki himself. Mutara Wenguva -Timeline: Paintings by Richard Mudariki was published Sanlam Group, 2017 on the occassion of Mudariki survey retrsopective exhibition presented by the Sanlam Art Collection at the Sanlam Art Lounge in Johannesburg and Cape Town and includes an introduction essay by curator Stefan Hundt and four essays by Doreen Sibanda, Greg Shaw, Matthew Blackman, and Hayden Proud.
Ndini Here (Is this me?) was publsihed by Barnard Gallery, 2018 and is a beautifully bond monograph with an essay by Mudariki, an introduction by Frank Kilbourn, and short texts by David Green and Ernestine White. Additionally, Mudariki's solo exhibition catalogues, published by Johans Borman from 2012 to 2016, feature contributions from Raphael Chikukwa, Helen Lerios, Lloyd Pollak, Johans Borman, and Marc Stanes, with all artwork descriptions authored by Mudariki himself.
Wallen Mapondera's 'Wallen Mapondera'
This publication, released on the occasion of his participation in I Did Not Leave a Sign at the Zimbabwean Pavilion during the 59th Venice Biennale, offers an in-depth exploration of Wallen Mapondera’s artistic practice. The book presents a rich compilation of essays, interviews, and visual documentation that delve into Mapondera’s work and creative journey.
The publication features text by Tandazani Dhlakama, which examines the significance of materiality in Mapondera’s art, highlighting the tactile and conceptual elements that inform his work. An essay by Wallen Mapondera himself, providing a personal narrative that traces his artistic evolution and the influences shaping his practice. An interview with Wallen Mapondera by Ludovic Delalande, offers an insightful dialogue with the artist, shedding light on his inspirations, methodologies, and perspectives.
Whilst not an exhaustive list, these monographs offer invaluable insights into the dynamic and diverse contemporary art practices in Zimbabwe. These publications not only celebrate the unique contributions of Zimbabwean artists to the international contempoary art landscape but also serve as essential resources for collectors, scholars, researchers and enthusiasts.
For details of how to purchase any of these books/catalogues, please contact us via email at artwebafrica@outlook.com
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