Brigadier General - SOLD
Richard Mudariki (b 1985)
Brigadier General - 2012
Acrylic on canvas
30 x 24,5 cm
Signed and dated bottom left
Sold - 2014
I have always been fascinated by the army generals’ uniforms with their decorations, badges and medals. The designs, colours and embroidery, along with their large caps have often piqued my interest. I assume the various insignia confirm the integrity of a general as a member of the armed forces, identify his service unit, and specify the special training he has received. The medals may also suggest that a general has achieved more than the ordinary soldier in the army, and is therefore viewed with special respect. Thus, with such uniforms comes status and influence, but they are all overshadowed by the authority of the one with the most power… the Commander in Chief.
These 5 paintings of generals include the cockerel who, with his fighting, cocky characteristics, is seen as the one with the overall authority. As the symbol of political force in various cultures around the globe, including political parties in Southern Africa such as ZANU PF in Zimbabwe, the Malawi Congress Party, and UNITA in Angola, the cockerel is associated with the dawn of a new era – suggesting victory to the party it presents.