By Jimmy Chazama:
Art allows individuals to understand and connect with life on a deeper level, bridging the gap between personal experiences and broader human emotions.
Lilongwe-based visual artist Madalitso Ziwaoh’s new solo exhibition, Inside Life, vividly captures the essence of genuine emotions.
The exhibition, which opened last Friday, will run until August 10 at the Kaliso Art Gallery, Four Seasons, in Lilongwe, surrounded by lush trees and the captivating scent of flowers.
Ziwaoh explains that his artwork tells stories of everyday life, depicting the highs and lows that people experience.
“I am thrilled to see people enjoying the exhibition and connecting with my art on a deeper level. My paintings are inspired by my own experiences and observations of the world around me,” the artist said.
“People have loved my paintings, which is why they came here to explore my art,” he added.
Despite coinciding with other events in Lilongwe, the exhibition has been relatively successful, according to both observers and the painter himself.
“Some paintings sold out after people saw posters on Facebook before the exhibition and collectors both within the country and abroad have made purchases,” Ziwaoh, who has also created murals in various prominent locations, including schools, explained.
Through his art, he aims to capture the essence of life, highlighting universal themes that unite people. He views his solo exhibition as a remarkable showcase of his unique talent.
The exhibition was inaugurated with a speech from fellow visual artist Charles Levison, who expressed admiration for Ziwaoh’s work.
“Ziwaoh’s art is a reflection of his soul and it is a privilege to witness his journey through his paintings,” Levison said.
Kondwani Chilembo, an art enthusiast who discovered Ziwaoh’s work on Facebook, also conveyed his admiration for the artist’s talent.
He admitted being profoundly moved by the emotion and depth in the paintings—which can, on the surface, seem very abstract.
“He has a gift for capturing the human experience. I have been following Ziwaoh on Facebook since then and have been buying his paintings,” Chilembo said.
Ziwaoh has held several successful exhibitions in the past, including two solo shows, such as the Beauty and Black exhibition back in 2020 in Blantyre.
He is known for painting portraits of significant figures and creating murals throughout the country.
During the exhibition, Ziwaoh has been available to explain the stories behind his paintings, which address real-life issues.
Some of his paintings have been lined up for purchase by collectors from as far afield as South Africa and the United Kingdom and are expected to be shipped to those destinations.
