adminKundai Marunya Arts Correspondent
The visual arts sector has a lot to celebrate this year, having successfully hosted an array of exhibitions, introduced new names on the international market while platforms continue to grow.
One of the biggest highlights of the year was when Moffat Takadiwa finally exhibited at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe (NGZ) in Harare, an event that attracted a bumper crowd.
This was his homecoming show, after a long absence from the local exhibition scene, while his international presence continues to grow with sales to United States celebrities Jay-Z and Kevin Hurt ranked as his popular achievements.
Also of note was award-winning visual artist Keith Zenda’s exhibition at South Korea’s Sang Myung University Future Centennial Hall, Gallery Wolhae to become one the first African contemporary artist to showcase in Asia.
Apart from the work on display, the “African Contemporary Art Exhibition” saw Zenda being part of the interactive showcase with live painting.
Zenda said he was honoured to represent Africa.
“I really feel honoured to represent Africa at the first ever African contemporary art exhibition in Asia; not only Zimbabwe but Africa as a whole, getting so much respect and recognition,” he said.
Various local artists participated in international exchange programmes, one of which saw Option Nyahunzvi in Venice.
These are only a few of a great number of artists making waves on both local and international markets.
Credit is also due to galleries such as NGZ, First Floor Gallery Harare (FFGH), Village Unhu, Dzimbanhete and many other artist run spaces dotted across the country.
NGZ director Raphael Chikukwa said success of the year was achieved through support they received throughout the year.
“We are grateful of the continued support from our parent Ministry of Sport, Recreation Arts and Culture and from our entire board,” he said.
“The gallery staged it’s planned exhibitions throughout our three galleries. We have also seen the growth of artists run spaces that continue to mentor young artists”.
Chikukwa said NGZ alumnus continued to shine on the international scene throughout the year.
“The crop of former National Gallery School of Visual Arts and Design artist continues to shine on the international stage,” he said.
“These include, Franklin Dzingai, Nothando Chiwanga, Grace Nyahangara and many others”.
Of note is the visit of Venice Biennial artistic director/curator Adriano Pedrosa.
“He is in the country scouting for artists for his main exhibition,” said Chikukwa.
“His four to five days tour to this country means a lot to us and the image of Zimbabwe at a global art stage.
“In the last biennial, Zimbabwe was represented by two artists and we await the moment to know who will represent us in the main Venice Biennial exhibition”.
Chikukwa encouraged local corporates to invest in art as a way to boost local demand.
“The question to our cooperates is why do western banks invest in art? The answer is simple, because art is an investment,” he said.
“Just next door in south Africa, banks there invest in art and Zimbabwean art is being bought by non-Zimbabweans, it’s good but if you buy Zimbabwean art you are investigating in your own people”
Chikukwa applauded locals who invest in art.
“To Dr Solomon Guramatumhu, your continued investment in local art means a lot to the sector,” he said.
“Those who need advice on art investment, the gallery is happy to share and create a platform to talk about this. As for struggling artists, joining hands together is key and working as a team is key”.
Privately-owned art spaces have also been doing very well, as professed by FFGH director Marcus Gora.
“2023 was a busy year at First Floor Gallery Harare. We presented major solo exhibitions for artists Helen Teede, Grace Nyahangare, Pebofatso Mokoena, Mavis Tauzeni, Patrick Makumbe and Anne Zanele Mutema,” he said.
“We did two group exhibitions in both our spaces in Harare and Victoria Falls, including artists such as Gresham Tapiwa Nyaude, Wycliffe Mundopa, Shamilla Aasha, Zacharaha Magasa, Miriro Mwandiambira, Richard Bulter-Bowdon and Simon Back.
“We hosted the Harare Art Meeting which is a multi-day event to introduce visiting collectors to Harare as an art destination through exhibitions, talks and artist studio visits.
“We also did an end of residency exhibition for Again Chokuwamba who was a part of our incubator residency for six months while Helen Teede got into the prestigious Tracey Emin artist residency in Margate, United Kingdom, artist and assistant curator Miriro Mwandiambira went to the ARP art residency in Rome, Italy and we hosted Lavar Monroe from the United States of America on a research visit”.
Gora said their artists exhibited across the globe.
“Artists we represent like Troy Makaza, who was selected to represent Zimbabwe at the upcoming Venice Biennale, had a solo exhibition at Gallery Poggi in Paris, France, Gresham Tapiwa Nyaude was in an art-fair with Vanguard Gallery in Shanghai, China, Grace Nyahangare and Mavis Tauzeni held an exhibition in Lagos, Nigeria while Wycliffe Mundopa had a solo exhibition at Southern Guild in Cape Town, South Africa, and part of a group exhibition with Jenkins Johnson gallery in San Francisco, United States of America,” he said.
FFGH also took part in several international art fairs including the Investec Cape Town Art Fair, FNB Art Joburg, Latitudes Art Fair all in South Africa, Art Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, Artissima Artfair in Italy and EXPO Chicago in the United States of America.
“As a gallery that started in very humble circumstances fourteen years ago this month, we are proud to be working with exceptionally talented artists who are building a vibrant local contemporary art scene; creating artworks that allow us to reflect on our society and think critically about who we are and what we want to become,” said Gora.
“We have grown to become a space that natures talent and connects our local art scene to the region and beyond.
“We grateful to all our supporters, collectors and audiences and we hope that we can continue on this journey together with other galleries, collectives and institutions in the country, working hard to make our sector progress.”
A great deal of progress was also witnessed in the Shona sculpture genre where the recently established Avac Arts Gallery in Victoria Falls continues to grow.
“It was a good year for us, as we registered growth and continued improving our portfolio and our programs to assist artists from vulnerable communities with material,” said Avac Arts director Terrence Musiyiwa.
“With a bit more funding our impact will be greater and far reaching”.
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