‘Tarisiro’ – Hope, is a deeply personal and political reflection by Mbayiwa on the enduring spirit of a nation weighed down by broken promises and economic hardship. In Zimbabwe, where democratic and peaceful avenues for change have been exhausted, calls for justice are often met with violence. Mbayiwa draws attention to the brutal responses from authorities—where police and soldiers target civilians, outspoken activists, and civil rights movements. Many have been arrested, imprisoned without trial, and silenced through fear. In this atmosphere of repression and uncertainty, the work explores where people turn when all else fails. For many, hope is placed in the divine - Mwari (God) and the ancestors—as a last refuge. This spiritual resilience becomes a quiet but powerful form of resistance, a belief that one day prayers for freedom, dignity, and justice will be answered. ‘Tarisiro’ – Hope, stands as a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the deep, unwavering desire for a better future. Through this piece, Mbayiwa honours the emotional and spiritual endurance of his people, and affirms that even in the darkest times, hope is a force that persists.
Signed by the artist - at back of artwork.
'Tarisiro' - Hope
From lionel mbayiwa
