Artists raring to exhibit at NGZ

Angela Sibanda, Showbiz Correspondent

RESIDENT artists at the National Art Gallery of Zimbabwe (NGZ) in Bulawayo have expressed excitement as they prepare for their first group exhibition tomorrow.

The resident artists were welcomed to the gallery early this year and some of them have successfully hosted individual exhibitions and sold unique art pieces.
These artists include Zibusiso “Zee” Tshuma whose Little Things that Matter exhibition was a huge success with some of his art being bought before the official opening of the event.

The exhibition tomorrow will feature 11 artists including several who joined the gallery during an outreach programme that was marked by a series of workshops in Gwanda, Plumtree and Gweru last year. Of these 11 artists, only two are female.
Artists who spoke to this publication said they had mixed feelings about the exhibition as some are exhibiting for the first time while others will be displaying experimental projects.

One of the exhibiting artists who is also the assistant curator for the exhibition, Ismail Hajj Mposa said he is nervous because his work is an experimental painting project.

“Initially, I was a sculptor and used to do painting on the side, but I wasn’t really strong at it. When I came here (to the gallery), I faced financial challenges for my sculpting project and I found myself diverting to painting.

“For us, an exhibition is about giving a piece of oneself to the world and I’m a bit nervous about the reception of my work. I’m excited though because this is my first exhibition and the fact that I’m exhibiting at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe is a big deal for me,” Mposa said.
Another artist, Sinqobile Shamiso Dube said she is also excited for this exhibition and also curious about the questions that will arise from her artwork.

“My fabric work is a bit unique and some people have found it naughty or improper. I can’t wait to witness the reactions from the audience. My art advocates for women’s power and displays the potential that comes with female empowerment,” she said.
Other exhibiting artists are Andile Nleya, Dumisani Ndlovu, Sipho Ncube, Sean Mpetiwa, Tendai Mandira, Basil Zulu, Talent Kapadza and Boris Nhutsve.