Being confined to hospital is not a happy predicament for most, but in a poverty stricken third world country, it can be a desperate situation. The Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Blantyre, is one of the oldest hospitals in Malawi, opened in 1966, and although quite grand in the day, over the years it has become ‘tired’ in need of a coat of paint, general maintenance and cleanliness and a general uplift. It’s a place where you might find humanity at its most miserable and desperate. The QECH provides medical support to millions of people in the southern districts, and medical personnel are stretched as they provide what they can to treat and save lives with limited medical supplies and support, antiquated equipment, lack of funding and basic amenities. The wards are overcrowded, some patients having to share beds or sleep on the floor, no linen unless you bring your own and food is brought in by family members. It paints a sad picture of hopelessness, and this does not escape the children’s ward where sickness and misery are reflected in desperation.
However out of this hopeless scenario comes a happy story and thanks to a long serving dedicated doctor, a well-known artist and funding through an organisation, Friends Of The Sick Children of Malawi, a project was initiated, to renovate and revamp the paediatric department, A&E and build a staff room where exhausted medical attendees can relax and catch their breath. The project has taken just over a year to complete. Professional artist, the guy with the long ‘dreads’, Madalitso Ziwaoh, also a member of WASA, was approached to redecorate the once dirty bleak walls with happy and colourful murals. Madalitso is recognised for his bright bold colours, he has a unique style, purposeful brush strokes and his subject matter resonates with the land and people of Malawi. The subject matter of his murals are happy hope-filled paintings of local scenes and children depicting everyday life and featuring some of Malawi’s beautiful scenery.
In his own words,” I am much inspired with children so most of these murals I painted are children’s activities especially of childhood memories. Children are the joy of the world and the weapons to remove all the stress one can have.
“The murals in the hospital are part of the healing process. Whenever I visit the hospital, I see sick children happily embracing their painted friends on the murals. That gives me tears of joy and I wish I could have done these in all the hospitals in Malawi”, says Madalitso. It seems his wish is coming true as recently he was asked to adorn the walls of yet another hospital, and his cause to make a difference has inspired other artists and artisans who have dedicated their time and expertise to create other beautiful spaces in the hospital grounds.
Madalitso’s art journey started at school when he was 8 years old, when his exceptional drawing talent was recognised and encouraged. He continued to follow his passion, building his unique recognisable style, contemporary, bright and happy colours, distinct brush strokes, dripping paint, texture and movement, and an ambience reminiscent of Africa. He is in demand for his portraits, having painted the president of Malawi, and also setting a record by painting 8 heads of state at the SADC Summit in 4 hours.
Madalitso’s energy is palpable, he is everywhere, he grabs every opportunity to exhibit his work or teach and inspire other budding artists. His giving and zest for life, bringing colour and smiles to those who sometimes have given up on hope, make him an artist who stands out , who will go a long way and who deserves to be recognised as one of Malawi’s bright stars as he goes about his business of “ paying it forward”.