Mathias Chirombo Giving Back
As an artist born into a family of Shona culture his work is spiritually influenced by spirit mediums and customs. Mathias seeks to explore this through dreams which are a rich source of inspiration for his art making, using spirituality and emotions to direct him in the search for meaning and guidance.
With the help of scholarships and sponsorship from cricketer Peter Roebuck's (LBW) Trust, Mathias has earned his university degree, (BFA and is now doing Masters in Anthropology) and has found a unique way to return the generosity shown to him. He has pledged to donate two paintings a year to Rhodes for the next ten years, and would like the proceeds to be used for bursaries. At the end of their studies, Mathisa would like the recipient to assist Alumni House in finding ways to continue fundraising and offer support in any way.
Guiding the unforeseen
For tomorrow lies over the hill. The guardians ask for their god and ancestors to help guide their children’s future and wellbeing. Speaking through the wind and sand, they communicate with their departed ancestors for hope, spiritual and practical support in order to persevere with their livelihoods and daily challenges.
Whilst the family speaks into the sand and the wind, snuff is gently sprinkled onto the ground or in the wooden plate. The ancestral spirits emerge from underneath the ground to listen to their cries.
Artist Name: Mathias Chirombo
Title of the work: Guiding the unforeseen
Medium: Ink, dye, emulsion, fabric paint and liquin on canvas
Size: 1m x 1.5m
Bids start from R26 000
Foresee, forewarn, foretell
Through trance and dreaming, the mother’s chief ancestral water spirit –‘ the mermaid’ makes sure that some of the family members are hinted to or warned if there is any danger looming today or in the future so they can stay prepared or change their desired course of action.
The spirit of the mermaid in the water has the ability to heal children and other people. The medium is the messenger that carries the wishes of the ancestors to the people. The medium only passes the message to the intended subject if they are prepared to listen and will not take offense from the messenger. The mermaid medium is able to see people’s future from today to ten years latter or even further but will not inform the subject unless necessary because he or she would change their course of action thereby altering their other future prospects.
The mermaid is rarely seen in our physical world because of its sacred nature and when a person sees the mermaid, they get shocked and disbelieve their eyes. This image of the mermaid I painted in a semi-dream state, as I saw it at that particular time.
Artist Name: Mathias Chirombo
Title of the work: Foresee, forewarn, foretell
Medium: Ink, dye, emulsion, fabric paint, liquin and oil on canvas
Size: 120cm x 90cm
Bids start from R16 000
