Joshua Strydom

Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Tsumo Nemadimikira

*Featured in Best of Show 2014/2015 at Memphis College of Art

and 'Best and Brightest', Diamond Gallery, Memphis TN* 

I have been working with the theme of ‘Tsumo Nemadikira’ (African- Shona Proverbs) for a
few years. Tsumo are small sayings or proverbs used to instruct children and are told in the
Shona language, a Tribal language in Zimbabwe. When they are translated directly into
English they make little to no sense, and are rather humorous. I remember being told these
proverbs as a child, and having no idea what they meant. As I got older I began to
understand the significance and lessons within the proverbs.
I created a series of visual representations of these proverbs; printing linoleum blocks into
various surfaces, such as cement, copper foil, and elephant dung paper to expand the
projects conceptual narrative. The concept is based on the inspirations that Tsumo give me,
in relation to my observations on how to live my life; and the imagery it provokes in my
mind. Linoleum, specifically floor tiles, are used extensively by Zimbabwean printmakers,
as it is an easily accessible material. The cement is in representation of how these proverbs
are strong and stand the test of time. They are steady and constant. The copper foil has a
modern aesthetic, being smooth and manufactured. Although I grew up hearing these
Tsumo, they still belong to a different culture. I am a white Zimbabwean of colonial descent,
interpreting a native tradition. The modern material shows my colonial interpretation of
Tsumo. The elephant dung paper is made from a duplicitous substance. Elephants have
different significance in different circumstances to the people of Zimbabwe. Their dung is
believed to hold spiritual power by some, and is used as a drug by others. I used this paper
as a symbol of taboo, to display something beautiful on something repulsive. A western
version of a Tsumo would be ‘you can polish a turd, but it’s still a turd’. Consider this a
polished turd, whether or not it’s still a turd is up to you.
The Tsumo in the first composition are:

“Nzou hairemerwi nenyonga dzayo”

English translation- An Elephant is not burdened by its own tusks/trunk.
Meaning- One is able to bear his/her own responsibilities.
“Nzou Mutupo pana vanhu paseri ava machikichor”
English translation- An Elephant is taboo in public; in private it is delicious food.
Meaning- Outward respectability may be a cover for secret self-indulgence/ don’t judge a
book by its cover.
“Totendamaruva tadya chakata”
English translation- We believe in the blossoms when we have seen the fruit.
Meaning- ‘The proof is in the pudding’.
“Chinono Chine ingwe bere ninodya richifamba”
English translation- caution characterizes the Leopard; the Hyena eats as he walks.
Meaning- There is no time like the present. (or) a Leopard is a solitary animal, thus he eats
high up in trees so other animals don’t steal his food, Hyena’s live in packs, as a collective they
have the means to overpower a Leopard and steal its food on the ground. There is power in
numbers.
“Dindingwe rinonakirwa richikweva iro kana rokwehwa roti mavara angu azara
ivhu”
English translation- The Cheetah enjoys pulling the other along, when it is pulled it says,
“My spots are covered in dirt.”
Meaning- One objects to treatment that one gives to another.

The Tsumo in the second Composition are:

“Mwana asingachemi anofira mumbereko”

English translation – A child who does not cry dies in the cradle.
Meaning – one should give voice to ones complaints.
“Chakatairi pasi ndeyavanhuvose asi iri mumuti ndeyo wagona kukwira”
English translation – The fruit on the ground belongs to everyone. That on the tree is for
him who can climb.
Meaning – do not take anything for granted unless it is in your possession.
“Kungotya nyanga dzezizi nyamba manhenga”
English translation- It’s just fear of the horns of an owl, whereas they are feathers.
Meaning – don’t judge a book by its cover.
The Tsumo in the third composition are:

“Usapedzera tsvimbo kuna vanamakuwe idzo hanga dzichauya”

English Translation- Do not use up sticks on go away birds while the guinea fowl have not
yet come.
Meaning- Do not waste your time and substance on trifles.
“Mhembwe rudzi kuzvara mwana ane kazhumu”
English Translation- A Duiker is one of a species, if it bears a child, he will have a tuft on his
head.
Meaning- Like Father, like son.
“Ane marengenya haacharike moto”
English Translation- One who wears rags does not jump over a fire.
Meaning- Circumstances can dictate our actions.

These are depicted literally into a single composition. I want the viewer to feel a sense of
bombardment and be overwhelmed with the scene. Tsumo do not make sense at first, they
require one to ponder and carefully consider the metaphors and symbolism within. The
circular arrangement vaguely alludes to a Mandela form, hinting to the lofty thoughts
portrayed.

Posted by Joshua.Strydom at 6:11 AM

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Labels: africa, Joshua Strydom, linoleum, printmaking, proverbs, shona, tsumo nemadimikira,
wildlife, Zimbabwe

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My Life Story

Joshua.Strydom
I was born and raised in Harare, Zimbabwe. Currently, I live in Memphis- i'm a student at
Memphis College of Art majoring in Fine Arts, double concentration in Photography and
Printmaking and Minor in Art History. The experiences I had growing up heavily
influence my work. I am in love with nature and adventure, I aim to educate and reform
peoples ideologies of art through my observations and commentaries on social cultures.
View my complete profile

Exhibitions
'Best and Brightest'- Diamond Gallery, Memphis TN- August 2015

'Best of 2014/2015'- Memphis College of Arts Main Gallery, Memphis TN May-June

2015

'Ndino Ona Nzvibo Yavo'- Celebration Center, Harare Zimbabwe- June 2015

'Nexus'- Tsunami, Memphis TN- May 2015

'Exhibition Momentum'- 409 S. Main Gallery, Memphis TN- February 2015

'Intersections in Photography'- No Exit Gallery, Memphis TN- February 2015

‘In Focus’- Southern College of Optometry, Memphis TN – September 2014-August 2015

‘Reborn: The Home made Camera’- Memphis College of Art – November 2014
Zimbabwe Art Festival- Harare Zimbabwe, June 2014

‘Self Portrait’ - University of New Mexico, MN, June 2014

‘WILD’ - Brode Gallery, Memphis TN - March 2014

‘Best of Memphis 2013/2014’ – Memphis College of Arts Main Gallery, Memphis TN May-June
2014

Photographic Discoveries, MCA Lower Gallery, Memphis TN – November 2013

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Blog Archive
 ▼  2015 (6)
o ►  September (1)
o ►  June (1)
o ▼  May (1)
 Tsumo Nemadimikira
o ►  April (1)
o ►  March (1)
o ►  January (1)

 ►  2014 (16)

 ►  2013 (6)

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