experience
‘at times we need to be
in a space of freedom,
stillness,
and low frequency to reconnect with ourselves’
TATENDA CHIDORA
How does being in nature influence your work? I love nature. I am frequently gazing into the horizon and I often believe that much can be solved in moments of stillness. Nature allows me to realign, focus, and [enter] a space of balance. I love the idea of vastness and space and watching the light as the sun moves during the day. What are you taking away from the experience? The full reassurance that it’s ok to take a moment away from the busy side of life to connect with nature. To watch time move, allow yourself time to study an environment, and approach things more slowly. Did the trip spark any new ideas for themes or projects you’d like to explore in future? I had already been meditating on doing a plant study and investigating the pods that carry seeds. I am constantly fascinated by shapes, structures, textures, and forms, and I’m hoping that my photography will one day live in the form of a sculpture. The portrait in the water is an example of how I would like to investigate different pod shapes and create masks with them. *Find Tatenda online and explore his work further via Instagram @tatendachidora .
and it is a dream of mine to explore different places, cultures, and people. In my practice, I am constantly challenging social cues around masculinity and conversations around manhood. Why did you want to take on this collaboration? Firstly, just the privilege of experiencing the Singita brand – and in my home country. I never knew that Singita existed in Zimbabwe. This was my first project at home. There is something special about bringing your practice to your home ground. I considered taking time away from the busy city life to slow down time in nature. Could you describe a moment or scene that stood out for you or left a lasting impression when visiting Pamushana? There are just too many. An early-morning drive in the dense acacia forest just after sunrise, panoramic views from the porch, the chilled butternut bowl for brunch in the scorching 40-degree heat, the sound of Christmas beetles, and being woken up to the groan of hippos in the morning. Every day had a beautiful sunrise and sunset. I still can’t get over the fact that we saw the Big Five in no less than 24 hours, including three black rhino moments. The landscape in the reserve is very vast and diverse.
Above Lizzie Mathe plays an mbira, a traditional Shona instrument.
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