I AM
MBONGENI FAKUDZE

Mbongeni Fakudze was born in Mbabane, Swaziland in 1982. He studied at Sifundzani primary school and then attended Waterford Kamhlaba UWCSA. He completed a fine arts course through the University of South Africa, Pretoria. In his extensive career he has numerous National awards under his belt. He now lives between Johannesburg and Eswatini.

ARTIST STATEMENT

His work has largely been characterised by the painterly expressions of portraiture. Particularly that of the African Woman.

He investigates and depicts the under-recognised and dichotomous position of African women in modern day society. Through the use of symbols such as the head-wrap, he makes a commentary on their respected and power role in Ancient and modern African culture. Their sense of humane fragility and tenderness , plays against their stoic element of strength and power.

His recent works also delve into investigating the questions of African spirituality.

What do head wraps symbolize?

The practice dates back to pre-colonial African history in sub-Saharan Africa, and head wraps were considered symbols of status, marriage, and family