GZU stages public art exhibition in Bulawayo

Mbulelo Mpofu, Showbiz Reporter

Last week, lecturers and students from the Great Zimbabwe University (GZU) were at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe (NGZ) in Bulawayo to showcase their second National Art Exhibition.

Under the theme, “Unlocking interfaces”, the institution’s department of Technical Education Art and Design showcased artwork from lecturers and Undergraduate students.

With paintings in oil, watercolour, acrylic, multimedia, metal sculptures, and print graphic design, the stage was set for the public to appreciate the works of art.

The Art and Design Section head, Dr Dairai Darlington Dziwa told Chronicle Showbiz that the exhibition was meant to bridge the gap between artists and the general populace to foster engagement.

“This exhibition serves as a platform to open up dialogue between artists and the public in the different realms that they find themselves in. Our second exhibition takes both a retrospective and introspective point of view in the nature of its work.

“The topical issues of gender equity, identity, violence, the Covid-19 pandemic, history and abuse are fully harnessed in this display. It is an exploration of indigenous themes, heritage, and significant icons, with momentous episodes being captured in this space as an impetus to dialogue and creating critical social consciousness. As an institution, we want to harness art in its different forms,” Dziwa said.

A sizeable number of members of the public strolled into the gallery to have a look at the art pieces. Some of the eye-catching ones included “Mbuya Nehanda and Sekuru Kaguvi” and “Wash Covid-19 away” by Tinos Ndirowei.

The works were from lecturers who included Dziwa, Joseph George Mupondi, and Solomon Imbayago and students Trust Mumembi, Tinos Ndirowei, Nyasha Muchemwa, Tatenda Homera, Felistas Makota and Mukudzei Muswere. — @MbuleloMpofu