Visual artist Mlinga soars on continental platform
Visual artist Tapiwa Mlinga is among five Africans whose work will be printed on the cover of Kenyan art oriented organisation Africa No Filter (AFN) notebooks.
She was among 100 plus artists from across Africa who participated in a competition to provide artwork that provided an interpretation for the theme Celebrating Africa’s Creative Power.
Mlinga won alongside two Kenyan artists, a Nigerian and a South Africa.
As part of her success, she received a grant and rebranding services which will see her works featured on AFN’s online bids from time to time. Mlinga will also have art collectors access her work through online interactions on various social media handles.
In an interview yesterday, she said her triumph is an honour and it has given her a spring to aim higher.
“If you look at the previous winners of the competition, as a person you feel intimidated. The period it took for the judges to give us feedback was one that could make you give up. In fact, I gave up. I thought maybe next time would do for me,” said Mlinga.
The Zomba-based artist added that her success has broadened her audience and provided a platform for international interaction as well as opening an access route to collaborate with other artists internationally.
The painting that won her a top five spot is an illustration of how music has been part of the African culture, growth and history. It shows the unbreakable bond between music and the people which is present in religious ceremonies, festivals and rituals.
Mlinga said: “Songs are used during the important events in one’s life in our African set-up. Songs are used during birth, during various stages of coming of age, wedding times and even during death. They are used for curing the sick and bringing rains. Many Africans believe music serves as a link to the spirit world.”
The Malawian is a writer, visual artist and model. She has exhibited her works at platforms such as Mwezi Wawala, Zomba City Festival and Art in the Park. Mlinga has also worked for artistic movement Nyali Studios and is currently working for Art Malawi under the GIZ funding.
The ANF has footprints in Ghana, South Africa, Kenya and Nigeria. Every year they come up with themed competitions on painting as a way of empowering visual arts in Africa.
It is a donor collaborative that supports the development of nuanced and contemporary stories that shift stereotypical and harmful narratives within and about Africa.
“Our goal over time is to leave an empowered narrative, change ecosystem and an informed community of storytellers who work more deliberately to change harmful narratives within and about Africa,” according to the organisation’s website africanofilter.org.
