Mangwenya
An Exhibition of Artworks by Handirubvi Herring
Opening Reception | Saturday, November 30th | 6pm - 9pm
“Mangwenya,” which translates to “female crocodile,” serves not only as the title of Handirubvi's much-anticipated first solo exhibition but also a deeply personal and transformative narrative woven through reflections of strength, resilience and transformation. In this body of work, the artist invites us into a deeply personal journey that reflects her experiences of coming of age at 33—an exploration of identity shaped by migrations, familial ties, and transformative life lessons. Mangwenya serves as a powerful emblem- her family totem and symbol of strength, resilience, and adaptability that resonated profoundly with her identity.
Born in Zimbabwe and raised between summers in London and life in America from 1999 onwards, Handirubvi draws from a rich tapestry of cultural experiences that powerfully inform her artistic practice. Raised by her grandparents after her teenage parents parted ways, she navigated the complexities of early life with a sense of curiosity tempered by fear. It is through this lens that "Mangwenya" unfolds—a visual memoir that traces her evolution from a girl encumbered by insecurity to a self aware, observant woman embracing healing and assertiveness.
The exhibition features a series of intimate portraits that spotlight the people and stories that have profoundly influenced Handirubvi’s development. Each work serves as a tribute to the relationships and experiences that have sculpted her identity, embodying the shared narratives of love, pain, triumph, and growth.
This exhibition is not just an artistic milestone for Handirubvi; it is a celebration of life’s complexities and the unbreakable bonds that tie us to our roots and to one another. "Mangwenya" bears witness to an artist who is ready to navigate the waters of self-discovery with a renewed sense of clarity, understanding, and purpose. Join us in experiencing this profound exploration of self, culture, and the universal quest for belonging.
About the Artist
Handirubvi, meaning "resilience" or "I will never give up," serves as both my name and the driving force behind my artistic practice. At 33, I stand at a pivotal moment where the echoes of my past converge with the aspirations of my present. "Mangwenya," translating to "female crocodile," is more than a familial totem; it embodies my journey of introspection, growth, and transformation as I navigate the complexities of womanhood.This exhibition is a celebration of coming of age—a culmination of the lessons learned, the insecurities faced, and the myriad experiences that have shaped me into the woman I am today. Throughout these years, I have navigated the tumultuous waters of fear, self-doubt, and growth, often feeling like an outsider in my own skin.
My work reflects the evolution of my identity. Each piece is imbued with layers of meaning—offering insights into my struggles and triumphs as I embrace the complexities of womanhood. The crocodile, a creature both revered and feared, embodies my duality. It reminds me of the necessity of reconciling my fears with the pursuit of empowerment and healing.
In this body of work, I delve deep into the themes of observation and assertiveness, intertwined with the threads of vulnerability and strength. I seek to confront the barriers I’ve encountered, transforming them into a source of inspiration.
This solo exhibition marks a pivotal moment in my artistic practice, representing my first significant showcase since graduating from university in 2014. Reflecting on nearly a decade of experiences, challenges, and self-discovery, each piece in this series is a testament to the life lessons I have accrued while navigating feelings of insecurity and fear. The portraits I have created are imbued with the stories of individuals who have shaped my identity and narrative, capturing the richness of my multicultural upbringing.
Born in Zimbabwe, my formative years were spent between the vibrant worlds of London and America. Influenced by my grandparents' wisdom, as well as the complexities of being born to teenage parents, I learned early on how to adapt and persevere . Adjusting to different worlds shaped my identity and heritage in a rapidly changing environment. Each experience, layered with the weight of culture and displacement, has added depth to my practice.
This is a crossroads of my life: the lessons learned from struggle, the strength found in vulnerability, and the beauty of emerging as an assertive woman. Through my portraits, I aim to convey not only my personal evolution but also the universal journey of healing that connects us all, encouraging an understanding of shared resilience.
As I present this body of work, I look back at my past not with regret but with gratitude for the insights it has afforded me. Each brushstroke is my form of therapy, meditation, affirmation of my voice, and a reclaiming of my narrative. In navigating the currents of life with the grace and fortitude of the crocodile, I emerge resolved to embrace my truth and assert my presence in a world that often seeks to silence it.
