A certain way of seeing.
She’s not looking for a savior.
By Nyadzombe Nyampenza
Women do not need a privileged male to speak on their behalf. Men could focus on teaching each other to respect women’s rights. Wycliffe Mundopa goes beyond representing women in his artwork, he transforms the way they are seen. His work presents a much needed breakthrough for men.
A recent work by Wycliffe carries the title My Cup is Full. The artwork shows an aftermath of excessive indulgence. A female subject reclines decadently in a goblet, like a tub of ice-cream with all the toppings. Her red lipstick hints at savage passion. Piled over her lower torso are man and dog in an embrace that makes them almost one. The man’s head lies in the lap of the dog, satiated into a stupor. While the dog has a euphoric ear splitting grin. The presence of fruit with portent gaping and phallic dimensions enhance the sexual innuendos from this scene.
The woman depicted is half naked, wearing heels, and some fancy hosiery. Her unkempt hair looks nice like that of a woman of means. She is the picture of an independent woman who loves fashion and knows how to have a good time. Her lifestyle may be reproachable, but she is no damsel in distress. She’s not asking for a favor, or looking for a savior.
[My Cup is Full was at First Floor Gallery Harare, in the Exhibition Night & Day — featuring Wycliffe Mundopa with Gresham Tapiwa Nyaude.]
