Mushoko Erudo Nezvito
Amanda Mushate
Amanda Mushate reflects on the sacrifices her mother made to live a better life in her video Mushoko Erudo Nezvito. Relying on her skill as a hair braider, her mother left Zimbabwe to earn a living, which led to a profound sense of longing and lost time between them. In “Abafa(ba)zi”, the two women—now both mothers—reconnect through the act of braiding. What once symbolised their separation now becomes a medium of bonding and reflection, as hair is transformed into a symbol of unity and healing. Mushate’s mother braids her hair while she in turn braids her own daughter’s hair, an image that represents the continuity of heritage and tradition. Accompanied by conversations between Mushate and her mother, the piece reflects on themes of generational trauma, family bonds, and cultural practices.
Known for her abstract paintings, Mushate explores a new medium in this video, mirroring her vibrant, interconnected style through the multicoloured fibres in her daughter’s hair. The video captures the physical act of braiding while also blending stills and digital representations of Mushate’s paintings, bridging traditional and modern techniques.
Amanda Mushate
ZimbabweAmanda Mushate (b. 1995) is a contemporary Zimbabwean painter and innovative abstractionist based in Harare, Zimbabwe. At just twenty - seven, she is establishing herself as a leading voice in her field with a growing international reputation. As a young woman and new mother in a male - dominated arena, Mushate serves as a role model and advocate for women artists, demonstrating that it is possible to build a career in the arts without sacrificing family.
After completing her studies at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe Visual Arts Studio in 2016, Mushate was mentored by Gresham Tapiwa Nyaude, who helped her develop a vibrant and unique personal vision. She presented her first solo exhibition in 2018 at First Floor Gallery. Like many young individuals, Mushate navigates the complexities of finding her place in the world while exploring interpersonal relationships. Drawing inspiration from music and the people around her, she embraces abstraction in her paintings and sculptures, channelling her happiness, burdens, and imagination into her work.
Mushate believes that “art is a way for me to write about a ‘future’ for me and for all individuals, so they are never overshadowed by negative influences that divert us from our true purpose in life.” Her passionate, playful, and maze - like canvases have garnered critical acclaim and international attention, and her works have been featured in important private collections in Cape Town, New York, Harare, London, Amsterdam, and Paris.
