Woodstock artist to exhibit at Cape Town Art Fair

Woodstock artist Tafadzwa Tega, 39, will exhibit at the Cape Town Art Fair at the Cape Town International Convention Centre next month.

“My art reflects my personal journey and the stories of the people I encounter, particularly focusing on immigration and the experiences of migrants,” says Tega, who owns a private art studio in Woodstock and mostly works with oil on canvas.

“It’s a wonderful feeling to participate in the fair, as it brings together artists and friends allowing us to catch up and share our life stories,” he says.

Mufudzi Wepwere, which he says translates from Shona to “shepherd of the flock”, will be among his exhibited work.

“It tells the story of a Zimbabwean immigrant who dressed very smartly and took great pride in his appearance. He came to Cape Town to study law in order to support his family back home, but despite becoming a gardener instead, his spirit remains unbroken.”

Tega says he was 10 when he started painting.

“I learn something new every day through my art. The reactions from people when they view my work are incredibly fulfilling.

“I utilise bold and bright colours that seem to uplift and heal, and seeing people moved to tears when they encounter my art for the first time is profoundly gratifying.”

The fair draws work from hundreds of artists of different nationalities, and Tega has exhibited at it on four previous occasions.

He is also planning a solo exhibition, Matakadya kare haanyaradzi mwana (“What you have eaten doesn’t comfort the child”), at the Everard Read gallery, at Portswood Road, on Wednesday March 5.

The Cape Town Art Fair runs from Friday February 21 to Sunday February 23. Tickets, from R230, can be bought through Webtickets. Visit investeccapetownartfair.co.za for details.