Page 65 - Msingi Afrika Magazine Issue 25

Art & culture
Joshua
Chapata
ADDRESSING
MENTAL HEALTH
ISSUES ONE
PAINTING AT A
TIME
Tawanda Mupatsi. Harare, Zimbabwe
individuals to vent mental ills that often lead to anxiety
and depression. For that reason, Joshua started the Art
therapy initiative which is slowly gaining popularity in
Zimbabwe.
The self-taught creative’s attempt at addressing mental
health issues through the Art therapy sessions consists of
interested individuals joining him on a painting journey.
No prior experience with visual art is required for the
participants. It is within the rough scribbles and preferred
blend of colors that Joshua believes one can be able to
find their voice, venting haunting ills on either loss, grief
or trauma and express themselves better in a manner in
which speech might be deficient to properly pronounce.
The soft-spoken visual storyteller who has led over 50
sessions in Zimbabwe since 2019 says the idea took root
in his mind when he was wrestling with personal demons
that made him question if he had sufficient strength to
face another day. Whenever Joshua felt burdened and
defeated, he switched to his canvas, paints and brushes,
immediately he would experience a moment of calm,
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“When I was in the creation process
it would be sort of like a relief period
where actually I felt at peace and
more relaxed. It was one of those wow
moments and again with the way that
I had studied mental health I then was
struck by a eureka moment and was like
what happens if I fuse art and therapy
using it as a tranquil place.”
The Art therapy sessions, where no one
is judged or scrutinized based on the
created paintings, have not only been an
outlet for emotional load but it has been
a welcome haven where new friendship
ties are created. The power of art in this
respect always spreads its magic in the
atmosphere and it’s something Joshua
attests to, “Visual art is a powerful
medium and with the way in which we
are doing it, it then creates a safe space
environment where these meet-ups have
brought new friendships. Those who
participate depart from the meeting
point knowing that they are a part of one
big family where one is free to express
himself or herself and where mistakes
are not frowned upon.”
Besides this initiative, Joshua has been
creating unique pieces that touch on
profound messages. One of his recent
works is a painting titled ‘Ushingi
Hwatinawo’ which are Shona words
translating to ‘The courage we have’. In
this painting, he sheds light on the plight
of African women who are expected
to carry out all duties with diligence
irrespective of their weight and are
expected to show up for their children
and husbands while taking on new tasks
every day which puts a strain on their
mental health. In another piece titled
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ISSUE 25 | MARCH 2024 65