Meet Munashe Watungwa | Visual Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Munashe Watungwa and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Munashe, do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?
Content. There’s a quote by Toni Morrison that stuck with me when I went through a dark time with my art, she said “All art is knowing when to stop”. When I read that quote from her, I instantly knew I wasn’t content with what I’ve done so far. I feel like I still have a lot to prove within my medium and hope I feel a sense of contentment at some point during my career/life.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I’ve described my art is conceptual for the longest but recently I’ve been seeing my work more as feeling than a fixed concept if that makes sense. I would rather have someone come to me and tell me their thoughts and feelings when looking at my work than some 10 page analysis on it you know.

I’m proud that I’ve found my place as an artist. Still comes with its challenges but im definitely happy with what I’ve put out.

Art in all forms whether it’s music, photography, painting, architecture etc has been interesting to me. It was one of the only things in my life that made tomorrow exciting. It wasn’t easy to commit to it though because there were always voices of doubt that came with it but in all honesty I just continued doing it.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned so far is not to rush. People tend to rush the process of finding their “signature style” and that’s what will end up messing everything up. I still in that process, just experimenting with different styles, mediums, quantity, you name it.

I dont see competition in art. A big waste of time.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
First thing we do is leave the city and go on a roadtrip. I don’t think the city represents Zimbabwe well at all. Ideally we drive to Victoria Falls and find a place to stay at. Go to falls for the best view (no offense to the Zambians). From there we just go around the city of Victoria Falls for the day then finish the night at The Boma. It’s a buffet like restaurant that serves authentic Zimbabwean foods and comes like live music. We come back to Harare and just hangout with friends. Go do random things like play games at friends houses, shop, paintball, go to cinema etc.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Firstly I would like to thank my parents for encouraging me to pursue what I was passionate in. For what I can remember, I was never pressured to become a doctor, lawyer etc. They knew that wasn’t my thing. My brothers too. Always motivating me to become a better man. My professors that helped me on a technical level. Friends that gave me a chance and opportunities that lead to where I am now. Lastly my classmates at Spéos School of Photography especially, Qasim Mahimwala, Andrés Gieldelmann, Jack Gould and Aleksandra Olshevskaia. The people that helped me find my artistic vision and pushed me to become a better artist. Could not thank them enough. (Also got me into watching movies haha)

Website: www.mun.photos

Instagram: thenamesmun

Linkedin: Munashe Watungwa

Twitter: thenamesmun

Image Credits
1st photo – Model – Omar Qassim (ig: omarqassim_) 4th photo – Model – Ishė (ig: isheofficial_) 6th photo – Model – Irvine – (ig: zimthetics 7th photo – Model – Tao – (ig: tao_roca) 8th photo – Model – Anna Zyuzina – (ig: a2zee)