
Tamary Kudita
Born: 1994
Hometown: Harare
Based in: Zimbabwe
Born: 1994
Hometown: Harare
Based in: Zimbabwe
A product of dual heritage, Tamary Kudita was born in Zimbabwe whilst her ancestry can be traced back to Orange Free State, historical Boer state in Southern Africa. She chose to study fine art at Michaelis School of Fine Art at the University of Cape Town. There, she graduated in 2017 with a bachelor of fine arts. Subsequently, she established herself in fine art photography thus beginning her artistic career. She maintains an active studio practice and has exhibited in Zimbabwe and outside the country.
Her investigation looking at the legacy of colonialism on the family structure, has resulted in exhibitions delving into the history of the Post-colonial identity. Her first solo exhibition was held at the PH Center gallery in Cape town which explored notions of race and representation. Her previous exhibitions have been held at the Michaelis Galleries also in Cape town, titled, Maintaining Memories. Tamary, continued her investigation of history with an exhibition titled ‘African Victorian’ which was held at the National Gallery in Harare, Zimbabwe. Her most recent exhibition titled ‘Re-presentation’ was held at Artillery Gallery also in Zimbabwe. This exhibition was an examination of how our unchosen histories shape our contemporary state. She has been awarded The VAW Journal most inspiring art piece award 2020. She is also the first ever winner of the VAW’S Cover Art Award. She has also been featured in Photo District News Magazine which is an international publication. As well as a special mention in the British Journal of Photography.
What inspires you?
I am inspired by the dualities of the world. Fantasy versus reality, endings versus beginnings, creativity versus consumerism. Reflecting on these polarities constantly forces me to push the boundaries in my image making.
Describe your creative process.
I looked at how African identity was stereotypically portrayed in the west and I noticed a black and white visual language that implanted a concrete image of Africa in western imagination. I wanted to rewrite this visual culture and present a counter narrative that portrayed africans as dignified. Seeing that Photography was instrumental in affirming visual codes through which the west saw Africa., I use photography as a tool for resistance.
What are 3 words that best describe your work?
Historical, multifaceted, entangled
Who are some artists that have influenced your work?
Zanele Muholi, Osborne Machaira, John Baloyi, Santu Mofokeng
What is the most important tool when creating your work?
Inspiration and passion
What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
Create something that you feel like people need. I think that as artists we have to figure out what you are trying to say as an artist and how you go about doing it. It’s a challenge and it’s not something that you are going to discover in a couple of minutes or in a weekend but it’s something that you are constantly pursuing.
Where do you go for inspiration?
My historical background
3 Articles
New & Noteworthy Artworks for November 2022
November 01, 2022
Awards
Sony Open Photographer of The Year
2021
The VAW Journal Most Inspiring Art Piece (in English)
2020
The VAW Journal Cover Art Award
2020
Press
BBC NEWS
2021
Vogue Italia
2021
Forbes
2021
The Miami Herald
2021
The News Hawks
2021
Huffington Post
2021
Between 10&5
2019