The Wheel Magazine edition 2

PAY ATTENTION TO: A R T !
Orison Tadiwa Gapa
By Uratile Nare
Unlocking different levels of
genius and capturing the
eye of the people is Tadiwa
Gapa (TG), a student from
the University of Zimbabwe. Uratile
Nare (UN) from The Wheel
Magazine got a chance to engage
with the great artist.
UN: I believe many people always praise your sketching
deeds but they are always curious about who the
man behind the work is. Can you briefly shade some
light on who you are?
TG: Well, My name is Orison Tadiwanashe Gapa. I’m 21
years of age and I am an artist practising in the field of
realism.
UN: What does Art mean to you?
TG: Art is my best way of expressing myself and escaping
from the daily life of every human being. It’s like my own
comfort zone which isn’t often as comfortable as it seems
especially when i’m attempting something challenging.
UN: When did your sketching career begin?
TG: My history of art dates back to primary school.
It was a small hobby and I was often competing with
fellow classmates to see who would be the best. I got
serious about realism in 2012 when I got inspiration
from my mentor, Mr Chris Mhuka from St Ignatius who
is a very exceptional painter. He was the person who kept
on pushing me to unlock different levels of genius and
capture the eye of the people.
UN: What gives you inspiration to draw?
TG: I draw most of my inspiration from music.
Specifically Eminem. When he needs to portray a
message, he says it in the most extreme way possible!
This comes mainly after receiving some backlash when
I produced my nude series of portraits. I was in a state
of being misunderstood and everyone believed it’s not
“Politically Correct”. After some deep reflection, I went
on, no longer caring about what people say.
UN: What kind of Art do you do, (theme)?
TG: My art ranges from wildlife, human figure, potraits
and nude art. I’m still exploring and I’m still exploring
and im yet to have a solid theme which defines my work
but soon enough you you’ll be able to tell. In terms of
media I work mainly with charcoal on paper and some
touches of color.
The Wheel 15