Muhwalo (the load) is a collection of artworks from Simon Moshapo that explores the various burdens carried by individuals in their daily lives. This body of works is a point of departure within Moshapo’s practice, incorporating painted surfaces within his hand-carved sculptures. His selective colour palette, coupled with this particular style of figuration within his carvings seek to convey a feeling of innocence within the subjects, reflecting the artists views on ‘ordinary people’

The works within this exhibition form part of two larger series – yotuwa na vhafiyo and Mukapi wa tshisima.

The yotuwa na vhafiyo series delves into the whereabouts of the ngoma, a lost Vhavenda drum, which Moshapo seeks to uncover by consulting with the elders. For him, this story serves as a metaphor for his lost culture, and he employs Venda proverbs, morals, and values to revive that cultural heritage as an African.

On the other hand, the Mukapi wa tshisima series, translating to “the one who prepares the well is not always the one to drink from it,” examines the unfortunate reality that those who elect leaders often suffer the consequences of their choices. These leaders fail to fulfil their responsibilities and neglect to provide the necessities that their constituents deserve. This series emphasises that leaders, whether in traditional, political, or religious settings, exist because of the people who elect them. Without the people, there can be no leader.