Stary Mwaba, a prominent Zambian artist, has turned his attention to the environmental and social challenges posed by the country's infamous "black mountains," remnants of mining waste that dominate the Copperbelt region. For Mwaba, these heaps of refuse are not merely geographical features; they resonate with a deep personal connection tied to his childhood in the area. "As kids, we called it 'mu danger'—meaning 'in danger,'" he recounts, reflecting on the perilous allure these sites held for young locals seeking wild fruits.
In recent years, these hazardous mountains have transformed into a resource source for young men, who, in search of copper fragments, risk their lives digging through toxic refuse. Often operating clandestinely and engaging in treacherous work, these miners face significant health hazards while trying to earn a livelihood amid a staggering 45% youth unemployment rate.
Mwaba's latest exhibition, currently showcased at the Lusaka National Museum, pays homage to the lives of these miners, particularly those in the Wusakile community. His depiction of "jerabos"—gang masters overseeing these miners—aims to reveal the interconnectedness of individual tales with broader societal issues. Through a unique artistic technique utilizing old newspapers, Mwaba creates intricate portraits, juxtaposing the "grand narratives" of media coverage with the silenced "little narratives" of everyday lives.
By integrating these elements, he exposes the fragility of both his subjects and the environments they inhabit. One striking piece titled "Jerabo" illustrates a miner in the midst of preparing safety lines for his decent into perilously unstable tunnels. The artist captures not only the danger of their work but also the broader implications of neglect in an area historically darkened by mining.
The consequences of Zambia's mining practices have been vividly felt by the communities inhabiting these regions, evidenced by past incidents such as a catastrophic waste spill that disrupted the water supply for Kitwe's 700,000 residents. While these realities weigh heavy, Mwaba's art is a conduit through which stories of survival resonate. Each piece, vibrant and engaging, reflects the resilience of individuals navigating challenges posed by their environment.
Mwaba's engagement with local youth through workshops has fostered a sense of shared experience. Young miners have been invited to capture their own hopes and struggles, leading to impactful portraits such as "Boss for a Day," symbolizing the paradox of empowerment amidst exploitation. For Mwaba, such initiatives can alter societal perceptions, incentivizing a new generation to seek alternatives to dangerous mining practices.
His artistic journey reflects a transformation spurred by personal experiences, shifting from highlighting the presence of foreign investors to portraying the realities of the black mountain communities. The artist's reflections compel viewers to consider not just the haunting beauty of his works but the untold stories of human endurance they represent. As Mwaba's exhibition runs through this month, it serves as a poignant reminder of both the socio-economic tribulations faced by these miners and their undeniable strength against adversity.
