| We Remember a Passionate Artist |
| Doreen Mandawa - Tanzania (1929 - 2020)|
Speaking to the profound and challenging nature of artistic expression, Doreen Mandawa once said, ‘True art can be painful, it is like studying anatomy by dissecting oneself.’
Born in Edinburgh, Mandawa’s early life was defined by her commitment to social causes, actively engaging in women rights movements and anti-apartheid campaigns in the UK. A trained State Registered Nurse in Scotland, she married a South African-Indian surgeon, with whom she had three children.
Her artistic foundation was laid in life drawing at Edinburgh School of Art in 1947 and oil painting at Sunderland School of Art in 1959. Early exhibitions in London and Edinburgh shaped her practice, and in 1997, she attended a summer school at Edinburgh School of Art under Margaret Hunter.
In 1964, the family moved to Tanzania, where Doreen transitioned to full-time artistry, immersing herself in the rich culture and landscapes of Dar es Salaam. She knew everyone and was a source of inspiration for young artists by her attitude towards them.
After her divorce, Doreen became a Tanzanian citizen and earned a reputation as a respected artist. Initially signing her work with her first husband’s name, D. M. Vaithilingham, with Gibson, her maiden name and later she adopted Mandawa, her second partner’s name.
Mandawa exhibited widely in Dar es Salaam, including at the Goethe Institute, the National Museum, the Russian-Tanzanian Culture Centre and the Alliance Française. Her work reached international audiences through group exhibitions in Nairobi, Kampala, and in Winnipeg, Canada. Her artwork has been acquired by international collectors, including a large collection in Norway. In 1995, she participated in the Johannesburg Biennale in South Africa.
