Notes

A key work within his acclaimed 2022 exhibition Zumbani, at Mimmo Scognamiglio Artecontemporanea in Milan, Maidei reflects the rich dialogue between the artist's deeply rooted African identity and contemporary expression.

Rooted in postmodern African portraiture, Maidei is a vivid meditation on self-reflection and identity, rendered in his signature bold palette and intricate pattern work. Born in Harare, Zimbabwe, and now based in South Africa, Tega's practice explores themes of memory, migration, and cultural heritage, drawing from personal experiences and broader African diasporic narratives.

In this composition, a woman sits at a vanity, gazing into a mirror. The reflection-both familiar and slightly distinct-invites contemplation of the dualities within the self: the outer appearance versus inner essence, the present versus the remembered. The richly patterned background-a tapestry of vivid blue, orange, and yellow florals-envelops the figure, grounding her in a space that feels both personal and symbolic.

Zumbani marked Tega's inaugural solo exhibition in Italy, a milestone he navigated remotely due to COVID-19 travel restrictions. The exhibition garnered overwhelming acclaim, culminating in a sold-out collection with works acquired by prominent Italian collectors and even a distinguished American bank. Tega reflects, "The best thing for me was the opportunity for people to interact with my work."[1]

The resonance of Zumbani extended to the Cape Town Art Fair, allowing Tafadzwa to reconnect his artistic journey with African audiences. "Africa is my land, so I wanted people here to be able to see it too," he shares.

A review of his Milan exhibition captures the essence of Maidei: "Look at Tega's works. Look at them carefully. They have the colours of Africa, and that's fine, everyone can say that. They have the colours of genius, like those of Andy Warhol, and that's also very true. They have the symbols of revenge from the racial segregation implemented in South Africa and everywhere in the world."[2]

[1] https://nandoscreativity.co.za/2022/03/10/ncx-artist-enjoys-sell-out-exhibition/, accessed 3 February 2025

[2] https://www.artapartofculture.net/2022/03/03/tafadzwa-tega-zumbani-egologia-tecnomagia-tradizione-e-afromania/, accessed 3 February 2025

Exhibited

Mimmo Scognamiglio Artecontemporanea, Milan, Zumbani, 2022.

The Investec Art Fair, Cape Town, 2022.