"Believe in Yourself" by Kresiah Mukwazhi features a textured composition of soft, muted tones with horizontal strips of fabric creating a layered effect. The artwork incorporates recognizable brand labels, suggesting themes of consumerism and identity. Mukwazhi employs a collage technique, emphasizing depth and texture through her use of recycled textiles. The piece reflects her exploration of societal norms and gender identity, serving as a commentary on self-worth and empowerment within patriarchal structures. ...
Kresiah Mukwazhi utilizes everyday materials to create compelling works that address themes of resistance, healing, and social justice. Drawing from her upbringing in Harare and training in Zimbabwe and South Africa, she employs installations, performances, videos, and vibrant textile collages incorporating used clothing and accessories to confront gender-based violence, exploitation, and abuse. Mukwazhi's work serves as a form of visual activism, advocating for the visibility and rights of women in patriarchal societies. By challenging cultural norms and taboos, she highlights the importance of addressing latent forms of patriarchy and systemic violence. Her art expresses a commitment to solidarity, empowerment, and care for marginalized communities, providing a platform for resistance and self-empowerment Central to her practice is the exploration of the female body as a site of trauma and healing. Through her multidisciplinary approach, Mukwazhi invites viewers to reflect on the complexities of gender, power, and identity in contemporary society. ...
Based in a 360 sqm gallery in Woodstock, Cape Town, blank was founded by Jonathan Garnham as a project space in 2005 and transitioned into a commercial gallery during 2012. The gallery represents emerging and increasingly established artists from the region in a critically engaged programme that emphasises contemporaneity, with a focus on concept and abstraction in the African context. With an exhibition programme that has a reputation for shaping the discourse around contemporary art in South(ern) Africa, and participation in prominent local and international art fairs, we seek to place our artists' work in a wide range of private and institutional collections. In addition, blank continues to promote the visual arts in our community through ongoing projects that support the sector. ...
