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Baraka - Blessings of Life, sculptures and hanging constructions of Chenjerai and Mambakwedza Mutasa
Taurai Maduna, Kubatana.net
February 26, 2004

All photographs by Taurai Maduna.

In his book "The Alchemist" Brazilian author Paulo Coelho writes, "it's the simple things in life that are the most extra-ordinary, only wise men are able to understand them." Chenjerai Collin Mutasa and Mambakwedza Mutasa are brothers who have taken scrap metal, used glass, bamboo and various found objects amongst other things and turned them into well crafted sculptures and hanging constructions which have found their way to the National Gallery of Zimbabwe in Harare.

Baraka is a Swahili word meaning a Blessing or a gift. The Myth behind the Baraka is that if the blessing or gift is abused, it can cause great suffering, and if it is taken care of and respected, brings great wonders and joy.

The Baraka - Blessings of Life, an exhibition of sculptures and hanging constructions opened on February 3, 2004 at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe in Harare. This was the first exhibition for the year. The Mutasa brothers said the main aim of the exhibition is to re-awaken human values and to save souls. The Mutasa brothers have taken what society views as junk and turned it into what wise men call "beautiful art".

Celia Winter Irving curator at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe in Harare described the Baraka exhibition as, "A new look around us". She further added, "when things and objects we take for granted in our everyday lives become part of works of art, we become aware of their beauty."

The Mutasa brothers are based in the Hatfield suburb in Harare, where their home is oftenly scattered with collected objects that include old car parts, sheets of metal and pieces of wood that are waiting to be created into art.

Mambakwedza's sculptures and hanging constructions are reflective of the Zimbabwean society. In the hanging construction "Constructed Condoms", Mambakwedza justifies why he walks bare-footed all the time. He says, "Shoes prevent one from feeling nature and usually one chooses the character of shoes they want to wear. Some people judge others by the shoes they wear, it's twisted."

Chenjerai's sculptures are a reflection of the society. In his sculpture "Confessing", he depicts a man who has confessed to stealing money, so as to cleanse him self from the evils that have haunted him. Chenjerai further says, Confessing is about forgiveness, the same way God has forgiven us.

The Mutasa brothers have conducted workshops and exhibited their works in various coutnries which include the United States, Netherlands, Canada and Kenya to mention but a few. They have also won numerous local and international awards and grants for their sterling work.

Mambakwedza will be departing for Ghana next month, where he has been invited to a sculpture workshop that will be attended by various artist's from Africa and Europe.

The Mutasa brothers are blessed with talent, which they have managed to put to good use and get more blessings from their Baraka.

The Baraka - Blessings of Life exhibition opened at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe in Harare on Ferbuary 3 and will be closing on February 29, 2004.

Mambakwedza and Chenjerai Mutasa can be contacted through e-mail at mambakwedzamutasa@yahoo.com or telephone number +263-(0)11-702224 or (0)4-702224

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