Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
WITHIN the creative crucible of the National Gallery of Zimbabwe (NGZ) in Bulawayo, resident artists within the hub, are polishing their contributions and fine-tuning their insights for a highly anticipated exhibition on 31 January.
Dubbed the “Sparks/Manyenye/Inhlansi” exhibition, the intimate event will offer the public a rare chance to engage directly with different artists who are part of the exhibition.
Artists who will showcase their craft includes Abigail Nyasha Hunda, Bhekisipho Mafohla, Crossland Mbonisi Mehlo, Dumisani Ndlovu, Keith Ryan Chikoza, Mthokozisi Zwelithini Ndlovu, Nothemba Hilda Dube, Picasso Leon Siziba, Ryan Ross Gondo, Talent Kapadza and Yolanda Ngwenya. To deliver a smooth exhibition, these artists are working across different disciplines including painting, mixed media, fashion, photography, handicraft and functional art.
One of the creatives Abigail Hunda, who commenced her residency in April 2025, at the gallery, is a visual artist whose work pulsates with contemporary relevance. Primarily working in abstract expressionism, her canvases grapple with urgent global themes.
“My technique has been primarily abstract art, whereas my themes vary in different contemporary issues such as climate change, digital-related advocacy, conflict versus artistic expression, to mention a few. My work is mostly expressionism and lately, I have been exploring wildlife conservation advocacy through art,” said Hunda.
A herbal entrepreneur, who also lends her voice weekly as a volunteer radio presenter on Nust FM, under the Elevate Trust umbrella, Hunda’s diverse experience in showbiz, informs her unique perspective within the art spaces.
Hunda said the upcoming showcase delves into a powerful, unifying concept as it brings together artistes from different backgrounds to showcase their uniqueness. Their differences all point out that every creation begins with something small but powerful. It can be a memory, a question, a moment of struggle or a flicker of hope.
“The exhibition explores how small moments ignite creativity and transformation. It brings together eleven resident artists, each interpreting ‘sparks’ in their own way — from resilience and cultural heritage to identity and self-discovery,” Hunda said.
On behalf of other exhibitors, Hunda extended an open invitation beyond the conventional art crowd, as she said they will experience a great display, which is unique but amplifies one message.
“This exhibition isn’t just for traditional art audiences. It’s for anyone who’s ever overlooked gold in their ordinary days. We want people to leave thinking about the small moments that have shaped their own lives and to live more intentionally because of it,” said Hunda.
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