Hedwiga Medard is a multidisciplinary visual artist based in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Her practice spans painting, papercraft, textiles, graffiti and mural art. With a background in Earth Sciences, Hedwiga transitioned to art; bringing elements of her scientific training and her fascination with nature into her creative practice. Her work is informed by personal experiences, observation, research and encounters with people with disabilities and mental health conditions. As a muralist, she transforms private and public spaces through large scale works, while her personal practice uses visual storytelling to question assumptions and challenge stigma.
Hedwiga has undertaken commissioned mural projects at Julius Nyerere International Airport, The Royal Norwegian Embassy, and the Embassy of Sweden in Tanzania. She has also participated in artist residencies, including The Wild Mural Projects in Zanzibar, and community-based initiatives such as The Jikubali Campaign under Tanzania’s National AIDS Control Programme (NACP).
Her work has been presented in group exhibitions and art initiatives locally and internationally, including at Alliance Francaise Dar es Salaam, Rangi Gallery, The National Museum of Tanzania, Gallery Atelier and Art of Buna in Germany. She has also participated in an art auction with the Lukiza Autism Foundation (LuAF).
Beyond her studio practice, Hedwiga has engaged in mentoring and community based creative activities. She illustrated “Every Queen Deserves A Crown” and hosts The Kids’ Corner during Garden Markets by Handmade from Tanzania.
