Wallen Mapondera
KURA UONE
Cape Town
20. 02. 25
For Wallen Mapondera's upcoming solo exhibition, "Kura Uone," presented by SMAC Gallery in Cape Town, the artist unveils a most introspective body of work touching on various themes that have shaped his studio practice to date. "Kura Uone," a common Shona phrase meaning "mature and then see," serves as a poignant reminder of the trials that accompany the transition into adulthood. It is a foreboding of the material tests, obligations that await as we take on responsibilities as adults. The series takes the material challenges as a launchpad for the deeper spiritual transitions possible through an exploration prism-ed through spiritual lens.
Mapondera's exploration into the significance of maintaining an open, youthful perspective begins in his studio space in Chitungwiza, twenty kilometres from the capital city Harare. In a world that often pressures individuals to succumb to harsh realities, he advocates for a deeper, spiritual approach to existence—one that encourages a playful, childlike engagement with life.
At the heart of "Kura Uone" is a profound collaboration between Mapondera and his mother. Her role as a cross-border trader, crafting doilies and other objects to sell in South Africa, forms the cornerstone of this series. Through her journey of creation and ritualistic practices, she imparted a rich legacy of resilience and artistry. The act of crafting, packing, and traversing borders was imbued with a performativity, laden with hopes, prayers, and cultural significance that resonates in Mapondera's work.
The exhibition invites viewers to engage with narratives woven into each piece, revealing intricate dialogues between mother and son. Mapondera revisits and reinterprets his mother's craft motifs, allowing her experiences to infuse his artistic practice. This dynamic exchange illustrates how shared histories can inspire new forms of expression. It also evolves from maternal from the progenitor mother to Mother Earth, holding true to Shona traditions. This land aspect is embodied in the performance with the eponymous title that accompanies the opening of the exhibition.
Geometric patterns feature prominently in Mapondera's work, drawing direct inspiration from his mother's craftsmanship. These intricate designs serve as a visual language bridging generations and cultural practices. By incorporating these patterns into his contemporary art, Mapondera preserves and imbibes traditional craft techniques within a contemporary artistic context.
Materiality plays a crucial role in Mapondera's body of work. His use of found materials, particularly cardboard and textiles, is a response to Zimbabwe's economic realities. The hyperinflation of the early 2000s made purchasing traditional art materials prohibitively expensive, forcing artists like Mapondera to innovate with readily available materials. This constraint became a catalyst for his practice leading to his signature style of transforming ordinary objects into complex, textured artworks. It also “connects him with traditional art practices of the ancestors”.
The artist's use of cardboard, egg crates, and other found materials speaks to themes of resilience, resourcefulness, and the transformative power of art. These materials are elevated to become precious, intricate visual puzzles that challenge perceptions of value and beauty. The process mirrors broader themes of survival and adaptation in Zimbabwean society.
At the center of the gallery are disused military bags sourced from a local auction in Zimbabwe. Stitched onto each bag are reddish palm kernel seeds, creating a visually arresting, painterly display. The seeds serve as a metaphor for natural resources such as lithium, gold, precious minerals, and fertile lands abundant in Zimbabwe—elements that contribute to the underdevelopment of Africa and the underlying causes of global conflicts. This installation questions the long-term viability of resource-driven conflicts and offers a poignant commentary on the arbitrary nature of borders, particularly within the African context.
Mapondera's artistic journey is deeply rooted in community and collaboration. His co-founding of the Post Studio Arts Collective in 2015 exemplifies his commitment to fostering a vibrant artistic community in Zimbabwe. This collective works towards acknowledging visual art as a crucial aspect of education, organizing classes, exhibitions, and workshops that bring together practicing artists and academics.
Through "Kura Uone," Wallen Mapondera not only honors his mother's legacy but also challenges us to embrace life's complexities. He reminds us that amid obligations, creativity remains a refuge—a testament to our shared human experience. Through innovative use of materials, dialogical engagement with the mother, a community-driven practice, and deep connection to cultural heritage, Kouna Uone offers a body of work that is both deeply personal and universally resonant.