inspiration
Without the elements we stand upon for definition,
what do we,
in our purest form, stand for?
On the process: Spending time at the property in three different seasons allowed us to experience change and see different plants produce fruit at different times. The change of seasons itself became the theme of Julian’s video component. Being on the granophyres, experiencing the wild on foot, remains a precious part of this process, because of how diverse the ridge and how beautiful the landscape are. Learning from the guides about the reserve, the trees, and their special properties informed the process and supported the work as it came to be. I did continuously feel bad for always making a mess in my room, though. On the impact it leaves: The world has so many distractions, and we get absorbed by the daily demands of life. We can all conclude that being in the wild allows us to be grounded and pause to reconnect with Mother Nature. But I feel we mustn’t only wait to be in nature for us to experience a reconnection to it. These works should challenge the viewer to be present in their everyday spaces. Nature isn’t only about the bush — it’s about the smell, touch, taste, feel, and sounds around us.
On the work: The reason why I cover faces is this metaphor of people hiding themselves. When you cover someone’s face, you’re covering their identity. This project is an exploration of the masks we wear. It’s a study of the layers we build to navigate the world, and the potential we hide beneath them. Exploring themes of identity, masculinity, and belonging, Metamorphosis reflects an artistic spin on nature’s vessels of change, reminding us that for potential to be realised, the shell must eventually crack open. Without the elements we stand upon for definition, what do we, in our purest form, stand for? *Tatenda Chidora’s Metamorphosis is currently on exhibition in the gallery space at Singita Kruger National Park until December 2026. Each print is on sale in limited numbers, and a percentage of each sale will be donated to the Singita Lowveld Trust , our conservation partner in the region.
Right Collected across different seasons, the pods that make up Tatenda’s masks symbolise transformation in nature — and, over time, transformation of self. Previous spread Browse the digital catalogue.
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