adminZimbabwe in Harare beginning today .
The exhibition is part of this year’s edition of the Gwanza Month of Photography, which is now in its 10th edition.
This year, Gwanza Month of Photography will be held under the theme, “Identity” and it seeks to explore the true meaning of a people’s identity.
Doreen Sibanda, the executive director of the National Art Gallery of Zimbabwe, said:
“This year’s edition of Gwanza Month of Photography presents artists from Zimbabwe, South Africa, Uganda, DRC and Nigeria who will exhibit a series of photographs that reflect on the different elements of identity from different cultural backgrounds.
“A large body of photographs expresses identity as the way in which individuals or groups see and define themselves, and how other individuals or groups see and define them.
“It is formed through the socialisation process and the influence of social institutions like the family, the education system and the mass media.
“Furthermore, the concept of identity is an important one as it is only through establishing our own identities and learning about the identities of other individuals and groups that we come to know what makes us similar or different to some people, therefore nurturing social relationships,” she said.
Some of the works from local artistes that clearly probe the theme of identity include those by renowned photographer Tsvangirai Mukwazhi, Anne Mpalume, Nancy Mteki and Desmond Kwande who use their lenses to touch on issues like gold mining, fashion, refugees, religion and sports, among other issues.
Over the years, Gwanza has been known for its ability to not just being a mere exhibition but also an event that equips artistes with practical ways of eking out a living from their art through workshops.
“During the course of the exhibition, a week-long Master Class Workshop between Gwanza and Market Place Workshop from South Africa will take place at the gallery beginning today until August 15.
“Harare Conversations will also take place on August 11 and 23 with guest speakers Simon Njami, Biggie Samwanda and Calvin Dondo presenting on photography, its challenges, opportunities and its impact in and outside Africa.
“A workshop for children will also take place from August 27-31,” Sibanda said.
She also said that for the first time Gwanza will be showcasing video art installations made by former National Art Gallery of Zimbabwe Visual Art Studio student Darlington Muyengwa.
Curator of the National Art Gallery of Zimbabwe Raphael Chikukwa applauded the organisers of the event, saying it contributed to the growth of the local arts sector.
“This event adds value to the contemporary art practice not only in Zimbabwe but in Africa.
“The National Art Gallery of Zimbabwe is proud of Gwanza as it provides space for the Month of Photography. It remains our hope that it will keep growing year by year,” he said.
Dondo founded Gwanza Month of Photography in 2002. It is a non-profit organisation aimed at promoting photography and building bridges among international photographers.
Online Reporter