Makiwa

Makiwa Mutomba: A Journey of Artistry and Nature's Inspiration

Makiwa Mutomba, a self-taught artistic prodigy, demonstrated exceptional drawing skills from a young age. His artistic journey began in Chivhu, Zimbabwe, where he was born on 8 June 1976. Despite his natural talent, financial constraints in his low to middle-class family meant that Makiwa initially pursued a path in Electronic Engineering at university. However, in 1999, during his third year of studies, he took a bold leap, deciding to follow his true passion for painting and make a living as an artist.

The road to success was not easy for Makiwa, who faced challenges while living solely off his art. He relocated from Bulawayo to Harare, the commercial capital of Zimbabwe, and later to the picturesque resort town of Victoria Falls. Here, he sold miniature paintings to tourists by displaying them creatively, hanging the artworks from tree branches at the roadside. During this time, Makiwa discovered a deep affinity for using the knife as his primary painting tool, which eventually became a defining feature of his distinctive style. Eschewing traditional brushes, he exclusively employs the knife to craft his mesmerizing oil paintings.

Makiwa's art is an ode to nature's magnificence, drawing inspiration from the world around him. He captures scenes through photographs and brings them to life on large canvases in his dimly lit studio. Using a generous one square meter palette and improvised paint scrapers that mimic palette knives, he blends and applies paint generously, allowing fresh strokes to dry with minimal interference, adding a captivating texture to his creations.

The fruits of Makiwa Mutomba's labor have earned him international acclaim, with successful solo and group exhibitions held in South Africa, Germany, London, and France. His artistic prowess has also caught the attention of private collectors, commissioning him to create unique masterpieces that bear the hallmark of his knife-only technique.

As Makiwa's artistic journey continues, he remains connected to his roots in nature, using his extraordinary talent to evoke emotion and wonder in those who behold his breathtaking artworks. From his humble beginnings in Chivhu to the global stage, Makiwa Mutomba's artistic legacy continues to flourish, leaving an indelible mark on the world of art.