A story left untold.
Not for lack of words.
By Nyadzombe Nyampenza
Ernest self-expression may result in fallout and painful consequences. This can lead to censorship for moral, political, and personal reasons. Mukudzei Muzondo makes censorship the subject for his art.
Muzondo creates intriguing installations from regular materials. Canvas, wood, rope, nuts and bolts are put together in ways that resemble a fetish or talisman. Through skilled workmanship and careful design the artist conveys suggestions and illusions. A piece titled Wisdom has a self-referencing headshot with a closed zipper over the mouth. Objects surrounding it complicate the metaphor of being silenced. Without a perceived function the objects might not arouse empathy, but the unique creations draw a curious gaze.
Mukudzei uses symbols to carry complex and hidden meaning. Connoisseurs will find talking points. The general public may be perplexed. But the majority will realize why they don’t know everything there is to know.
[Wisdom — Mukudzei Muzondo was at Artillery Gallery in the solo exhibition Allegories of Thoughts.]
