Beatrice - Documenting the undocumented artist

Our Documenting the undocumented exhibition is a collaboration of Tanzanian artists to represent the Hadzabe and Datoga tribes. We want to shed light on the indigenous tribes, something that has not been done by Tanzanian creatives. This is an opportunity for creatives to promote their crafts, stories, and entrepreneurial spirit. We want to be the contributors to their narratives.

During this project, we collaborated with 4 creatives ( Ammal, Beatrice, Jennifer and Shija),  who exhibited their work in an online exhibition in partnership with Emergent Art Space.

Trailer videos by  Take2Studios: Photography by Bill Marwa; Videography by Anna Kishimbo

Where I lay my head

This body of work intends to shed light on the lives of the Hadzabe. This is their culture, their style. They gather and hunt as their daily routine. This is how they chose to live their lives. They are here, they exist, they are human beings, and this is their home.

Joy from Within

This body of work is about finding true joy. Happiness is not really a thing to be found, but more something to be unveiled within ourselves. Happiness is independent of wealth, success, or any other material things we believe will eventually make us happy. 

Look at this Hadza man in the painting; he has dust all over his body, he doesn’t have much that we may perceive as substance, but he is grateful and overjoyed with the little he has.

Happiness is internal and not external because if we dwell on our external ever-changing circumstances we will be waiting forever for true joy.

Beatrice's reflection

I enjoyed being a part of Documenting the Undocumented project because it was an opportunity that enlightened the lives of other people who are often forgotten in modern society. To be given the opportunity to speak their truth through my art, to talk about their daily lives, their ups and downs, triumphs and trials, talents, customs, lifestyles, and achievements has been transformational. l want to use my art as a voice for these amazing tribes.

Beatrice's Bio

Beatrice Mashala is a full-time visual artist born in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, and graduated from Makumira University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Law.

Her interest in art began in 2018 after finishing law school;  she wanted to be able to add value to her community and the world through her creations. Her inspiration stems from life experiences, surroundings, and the ever-changing issues in the contemporary world.

Her ultimate mission is to make great art that becomes a bridge that revives lives and uplifts souls.

“My work examines, scrutinizes, and interrogates fundamental personal, social, cultural, and political issues with the intention to shape society.

I am very interested in engaging my viewers in deep conversations, because that’s what art is all about, to get someone to stop for a really long time.

My work depicts my own life experiences, those of my family and community in a subtle way. Art is my therapy, it’s the only way I can genuinely express myself, for me the essence of life is found in my artistry. 

When a concept comes into my mind I would write it down and create an imaginative painting in my mind, let it marinate for some time, when it is fully formed I start painting. My paintings take time to finish.”

Exhibition History

2019
Know Your Worth – Curated By Ruth Matila And Safina  Kimbokota. Held At Chinese Cultural Centre , Dar Es Salaam , Tanzania.
Women’s Pop Up Exhibition Held In Arusha – Curated By Yasmin Khanbhai.

2020
East African Art Biennale Exhibition – Curated By Gadi Ramadhani . Held At Nafasi Art Space ,Dar Es Salaam , Tanzania.

 2021
Sisterhood Exhibition Held At Alliance Francaise Arusha 

Email Beatrice : mashalabeatrice31@gmail.com

Follow her on instagram:@beatrice_mashala