Wycliffe Mundopa’s Exhibition Celebrates Hope and Transformation

Motivational speakers and influencers are often praised for their uplifting messages, but sometimes, the most powerful inspiration comes from art. This idea was beautifully captured in Wycliffe Mundopa’s latest exhibition, Ibwe Rakaraswa Nemuvaki (The Stone That the Builders Rejected), which opened at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe last Friday.

With a strong focus on women and overlooked members of society, Mundopa’s artwork speaks to resilience, transformation, and the hidden value within the rejected and discarded. His paintings challenge conventional ideas of worth and identity, highlighting themes of exclusion, displacement, and renewal.

Curator Fadzai Muchemwa described the exhibition as a call to re-examine forgotten histories and identities. “Mundopa invites viewers to reflect on the objects, histories, and people often neglected by society and to see their potential to become the foundation for change,” she said in a statement.

The exhibition’s title draws from biblical scripture, particularly Psalm 118:22 and Matthew 21:42, where Jesus Christ is likened to a rejected stone that ultimately becomes the cornerstone. This powerful metaphor underscores the idea that what is initially dismissed often holds great significance.

Mundopa’s artwork carries this message through vivid, symbolic pieces like Kugeza Jambwa, Ziso Rakaona Zvakawanda, Temptation, and Girl Guide. His use of color and storytelling paints a picture of struggle, endurance, and hope. Each piece resonates with the realities of everyday life, making his work both deeply personal and universally relatable.

NGZ executive director Raphael Chikukwa praised the artist’s growth, calling the exhibition a must-see. “Mundopa is maturing like fine wine. His artistic expression in this exhibition is unique and thought-provoking,” he remarked.

Fellow artist Moffat Takadiwa, known for his global exhibitions, also commended Mundopa’s work, encouraging him to continue exploring these powerful themes.

As an artist, Mundopa is not just creating paintings; he is shaping narratives and inspiring a shift in perspective. His work reminds us that resilience, like a stone, is both strong and enduring. Through Ibwe Rakaraswa Nemuvaki, he offers hope to those who have felt overlooked, proving that even the most rejected elements can become the foundation for something great.