Richard Mudariki (Zimbabwean, born 1985) View from the artist's studio (unstretched and unframed)
Provenienza : Provenance Acquired directly from the artist in 2024; A private collection. Exhibited Paris, Gallery Polaris, Richard Mudariki: 'Mubvakure' (The one who comes from afar), October - November 2019. In communicating the social and historical issues relevant to his life, Richard Mudariki creates bright, lively and animated works in a modernist sense. In depiction, Mudariki recalls theatrical techniques used by European Old Masters to present dramatized scenes. Incorporated to evoke satire, Mudariki uses a heavy symbolism to direct a narrative that is engaged with current affairs. Conversely, Mudariki also uses his work to challenge the dated notions of art history and uses his art to criticise the vacuum and canonicity of a seemingly singular art historical narrative. Some of the paintings in the exhibition include 'A View from the artist's studio' (acrylic on canvas), in which the artist assumes the role of a witness of his time. As the title informs, the scene is that of his studio, with a French window that frames the discontent of the masses in France, America and United Kingdom on leadership and policies. A spotless palette and a canvas turned away from us begs for us to ask questions – is he opening his studio to the world or is the world presenting him with another reference to a new painting? A painting within the painting, the window becomes a 'mise en abyme' of the artist's work. Like Jan Van Eyck in Les Epoux Arnolfini, the piece becomes a reflection of the world and a portrait of the artist's status. (C& via Galerie Polaris, Online article, 2019).
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Condition_report : The work is in good original condition. The work would benefit from being stretched to smooth and reduce the undulations found in a rolled canvas.
