Tamary Kudita doesn’t just take photographs—she creates portals.
Each image she crafts is a gentle rebellion, a blend of memory, identity, and imagination. From behind the lens, she asks questions that words alone can’t answer: Who am I? Where do I come from? What parts of my story have been forgotten or deliberately erased?
Born in Zimbabwe and trained in South Africa, Tamary grew into her voice as an artist with quiet conviction. Long before her work reached international galleries or won global awards, she was a young woman with a deep yearning to see her world reflected truthfully, beautifully, and fully in the art she created. What began with a borrowed camera and portraits of women in her community would soon become a body of work that speaks not just for her, but for many.
This is the story of a woman who used light and legacy to carve out space and then filled it with powerful, intentional beauty.
Finding Her Voice
“My name is Tamary Kudita, I was born and raised in Harare, Zimbabwe. Technically speaking, my artistic journey started in high school but I would say that I found my artistic voice at university,” she begins. That voice emerged fully while studying for her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography at the Michaelis School of Fine Art in South Africa. “My studies began with pinhole photography, emphasizing manual skill and an aesthetic that resonated with traditional processes of photography which I was fond of.”
The roots of her artistic curiosity run deep. “As far as I can remember I was a curious child who had a knack for dismantling, reconstructing and rearranging anything I could get my hands on. As an adult this curiosity was channeled into my art by creating suggestive worlds which present a new reality parallel from the status quo.”
She was fascinated by both the mechanics and meaning of the craft. “From a conceptual stand point I was drawn to photography and the idea of being an author of sorts. Being able to see the beauty in the ordinary and translating that into a visual language which speaks to people really captivated me. From a technical standpoint I was intrigued by the science of painting with light and capturing fleeting moments we sometimes take for granted.”
A Gap in the Frame
As Tamary stepped into the world of photography, she quickly realized there was a gap, not just in style, but in representation. “Photography possesses the remarkable ability to compel people to listen in a world saturated with noise. Because it cuts through that noise, I was drawn to the idea of sharing Zimbabwean narratives, which are often marginalized, and portraying our people with the honor they deserve.”
When she began her journey in 2019, there were very few female photographers in Zimbabwe. Commercial photography dominated the scene, and fine art photography, especially conceptually driven work, was rare. She decided to change that.
“In an era dominated by commercial photography, I chose to pursue my true calling as a fine art photographer. This style, conceptually driven and emphasizing subjectivity, was relatively new in the local landscape, and it became my signature.” Her breakout photographic series, African Victorian, reflected that bold vision and would soon earn her global acclaim.
Carving Her Own Lane
The creative world can be inspiring, but also overwhelming. “The photography landscape has become more inclusive, yet simultaneously saturated,” she reflects. “With many leaving traditional jobs to pursue creative careers, individuals often struggle to find a starting point, and not everyone desires to be a student before becoming a master.”
Tamary doesn’t chase trends. “I don’t employ specific strategies to stay ahead of trends because doing so can lead to external influence and a loss of artistic autonomy. The art market might dictate your creative direction. An artist’s most valuable tool is their unique creative voice, which is why I dance to the beat of my own drum.”
She’s clear-eyed about the business side of things: “Of course, you must treat your art like a business. This involves identifying your target audience… attending art shows and networking to build your brand… understanding legal practices within the art world to protect yourself.” But her focus remains grounded in authenticity. “Trends are fleeting; prioritize longevity above all else.”
Lessons in the Darkroom
Behind the success was struggle. “One of the most significant obstacles was self-doubt, particularly because I didn’t initially receive immediate validation from those closest to me. My career path was unconventional, and being the first in my family to pursue it brought about some uncertainties.”
She didn’t have the tools, just a burning desire. “At that time, I lacked equipment, a camera, and a studio, but I possessed a burning passion. So, I started small, borrowing a friend’s camera and photographing women in my community.” Those first steps taught her something crucial: “Many believe that starting requires one giant leap, but I’ve learned that consistent, small steps create a compounded, significant difference.”
Another challenge was the lack of gallery representation. “For a long time, I believed my work wasn’t suitable for certain spaces simply because I hadn’t seen similar work. I soon realized that authenticity was my superpower, and consistent, meaningful creation would attract the right people.” She adds, “External approval isn’t essential; all it takes is one ‘yes.’”
And that ‘yes’ came loud and clear.
African Victorian and the Sony Win
“The most rewarding moment in my career was when I won the Sony World Photography Open Photographer of the Year in 2021,” she says.
Her winning image, African Victorian, was a powerful blend of culture, history, and imagination. “That image spoke about bringing two different worlds together by meticulously mixing and matching visual components. This image was aimed at making the community see beyond the two-sidedness of the world and focus on dualities coming together… to ignite an ethos of unity.”
That one image didn’t just tell a story, it changed her life. “Winning The Sony World Photography Award has already catapulted me into the international spheres.”
Since then, her work has appeared in over 20 exhibitions in cities like Milan, Paris, Miami, New York, and Dallas. “My work is featured in multiple museum permanent collections and TV shows, and it has been acquired by Netflix.”
Crafting the Future
Right now, Tamary is pouring her heart into a new project. “I’m working on a short documentary film. To say I’m ‘working on something’ is an understatement; I’m essentially living and breathing this project until it’s complete.”
Her advice for those who want to follow in her footsteps is grounded and heartfelt: “First identify a pressing need and define your personal ‘why.’ Then, find your niche and diligently build your skills and knowledge. Start with small, achievable projects and collaborate with others to amplify your impact.”
But there’s more. “Success rarely happens overnight. Most people only see the finished product, not the countless hours of work, the setbacks, and the self-doubt. Consistency is key.”
And above all, she says, “Commit your plans to the Lord. Trust in His guidance and seek His wisdom throughout your journey. With dedication, perseverance, and faith, you will get to where you need to be.”
A Quiet Revolution
Looking back, Tamary says the biggest lesson of all has been patience. “Success is constructed from the small consistent daily actions that you take often when no one is watching… These actions accumulate over time to create compounded results.”
Her final message is powerful and deeply personal:
“If my story could encourage someone, I’d want it to be a reminder that your greatest inspiration often lies within yourself. So often, we look outward for validation… But true power comes from within.”
“‘Betting on yourself’ means recognizing your unique talents, and your inherent worth… It’s about understanding your values, and the kind of impact you want to make on the world.”
Tamary Kudita bet on herself and through her lens, one can now see the world a little differently.
