Mosaic artist calls for innovative community engagement

Malawi: A mosaic artist from Salima, Madalitso Chipwaila, has urged all people in the country to embrace art in order to combat various social issues.

The artist claims that mosaic art is a solution to many everyday problems.

"Mosaic art is a very good therapy because it gives a brain a break from usual thoughts, thus pushing aside worries and relieving stress," Chipwaila said.

He also mentioned that the average person has roughly 70, 000 thoughts per day, with 90% of them being the same day in and day out, so art therapy helps both hemispheres of the brain communicate with each other, thereby increasing intelligence.

Chipwaila also said that mosaic activities assist the brain in creating new connections between cells, which improves the brain's ability to grow connections and change over time.

When asked about a person's health, Chipwaila stated that art improves cognitive abilities and memory, even in people with serious brain disorders.

"Mosaic art therapy can be used to improve physical, mental, and emotional well-being in people with high-stress occupations, mental health disorders, brain injury, and chronic illnesses," Chipwaila explained.

He also recommended Mosaic art therapy to children and teenagers who are experiencing personal difficulties or academic difficulties because art is a powerful brain booster.

Chipwaila went on to say that it is past time for people to recognise the value of mosaic art and reap its benefits.

"As it appears, mosaic type of art is loaded with educational, healthy, and aesthetic benefits that if properly used can sparkle development of the country and improve the quality of life," Chipwaila added.

“Modern mosaic art can now be found almost anywhere. Mosaics can be found in subways, restrooms, restaurants, and parks. Mosaic artists work with a variety of materials, including glass, beads, shells, stones, pebbles, tiles, mirrors, and even pieces of old jewellery, photographs, and toys. Modern mosaic art can be found on floors, ceilings, walls, benches, tables, flowerpots, and other surfaces.":

Chipwaila is a Malawian mosaic artist who was named the best mosaic artist in South Africa in 2012.

He has created many mosaic products, including portraits of former Presidents of the Republic of Malawi, Joyce Banda and Arthur Peter Mutharika, as well as the current President of Malawi, Lazarus Chakwera.