Spier Arts Trust artist, Tafadzwa Tega, shines at the 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair in London
The Zumbani flower, also known as the ‘wonder herb’ fever tea tree, holds a special place in the works of Zimbabwean artist Tafadzwa Tega. His vibrant paintings, often featuring intricate floral backgrounds inspired by the flower, explore themes of cultural identity, faith and customs, and the impact of migration and displacement. Tega’s bold and colourful portraits caught the attention of art enthusiasts and critics at the 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair in London in 2021, where he exhibited alongside 130 artists from 50 international galleries.
As the only international art fair dedicated to contemporary art from Africa and its diaspora, the 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair attracts major sponsors such as Nando’s and the Spier Arts Trust. In 2022, Tega’s work was sponsored by these organizations, giving him a chance to showcase his talent to a wider audience. Established artists such as Ibrahim El-Salahi, Hassan Hajjaj, and Zanele Muholi exhibited alongside newcomers like Sola Olulode and Pedro Neves.
Born in Harare, Tega completed a diploma in Fine Art from the National Gallery of Zimbabwe in 2006. After relocating to Cape Town, he developed his unique style of vibrant portraiture depicting the daily experiences of black individuals. Tega was invited to participate in the Spier Arts Trust’s Creative Block program, which provided him with an opportunity to sell his artwork and gain confidence in his practice. In 2020, he was selected for Nando’s Creative Exchange program, which offers mentorship opportunities and art materials sponsorship to emerging artists.
Tega has participated in several group and solo exhibitions in South Africa, including Gallery MOMO’s “Africa without Borders” in Cape Town in 2019 and Everard Read’s exhibit at FNB Art Joburg in 2022. His work has also been displayed at international galleries, including JD Malat Gallery in London, Mimmo Scognamiglio in Milan, and Gallery Daisy on Jeju Island in South Korea.
We anticipate Tega’s continued growth as an artist and look forward to seeing him flourish on the international stage.
