Moffat Takadiwa’s Artistic Vision Earns Nama Nomination for Upcycling Excellence

Moffat Takadiwa, a pioneering upcycling artist and director of the Mbare Art Space, has expressed his gratitude for being nominated for the 23rd edition of the National Arts Merit Awards (Nama), scheduled for March 1. Takadiwa’s work was nominated through sector monitors, a significant improvement from previous Nama editions, as it ensures that recognition is based on merit rather than application submissions.

Despite his appreciation for the nomination, Takadiwa noted that he would have valued it more during earlier stages of his career when recognition could have had a greater impact. “I would have appreciated the nomination if it had come at a time when it would have made a significant difference to my practice. However, I do acknowledge the renewed enthusiasm I am seeing in this year’s edition. Zimbabwe remains my first community,” he stated.

The competition in the Male Visual Artists category is tight, with Takadiwa up against other prominent figures such as Ishmael Hajee Mposa and Gareth Nyandoro. Meanwhile, the Female Visual Artist category features celebrated names such as Portia Zvavahera, Shamila Aasha, and Sinqobile Shamiso Dube. The Outstanding Up-and-coming Visual Artist category has recognized emerging talents like Fungai Marima, Kundai Nathan, and Nonthando Chiwanga.

Takadiwa’s globally acclaimed work, “Dudu Muduri,” currently showcased at the prestigious Venice Biennale in Italy, alongside another significant piece, “Zipit,” has played a role in this recognition. His works critically examine the lingering effects of colonialism, ancestry, cultural erasure, environmental destruction, land exploitation, and socio-economic disparities caused by greed and racial injustices.

“As a visual artist, my focus has never been on competition but on advancing a broader agenda and telling our unique stories. I look forward to seeing a more refined Nama awards in the future. This year, I feel relieved that I have stepped down from the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) board, giving me a chance to reflect, observe, and contribute insights to the current board members and director,” Takadiwa said.

His nomination underscores the evolving appreciation of contemporary Zimbabwean art, particularly in the upcycling movement, which transforms discarded materials into compelling artistic statements. Takadiwa continues to push boundaries, using art as a medium to challenge societal narratives and inspire meaningful conversations about identity, history, and sustainability.