dyton mupawaenda
Arts Reporter
Prominent visual artist, Hermit Muyambo, is set to stage two art exhibitions on different days in a bid to raise awareness on protecting the girl child.
Both exhibitions will run under the theme, “Regai Dzive Shiri Mazai Haana Muto,” (Let the birds fly) and will be held at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe in Mutare.
The first exhibition will be held on November 24 followed by another on November 27.
In an interview with The Herald Arts, Hermit said he was busy with the final preparations as he wanted the art to speak for itself.
He said doing the solo exhibition as art was therapy for vulnerable children, especially victims of teenage pregnancies and teenage mothers.
“The Regai Dzive Shiri, Mazai Haana Muto exhibition is one step in many to address and heal what society has broken in the girl child,” he said. “When the foundation is right, the building is right. Tragically, art should be used to heal what should have never been broken in the first place. I desire to nurture creativity from its foundation.
“When nurtured right, children are saved from being helpless little chicks to becoming beautiful birds soaring to heights unimaginable.”
Hermit said the art exhibition was a compelling and poignant exhibition that confronts the urgent issues of poverty, religious beliefs and cultural practices that have left the girl child in Zimbabwe vulnerable to early child marriages and other rampant abuses.
“This exhibition aims to shed light on these pressing challenges, challenge societal norms, and inspire collective action towards the empowerment and protection of the girl child,” he said.
“In Zimbabwe, poverty; worsened by socio-economic disparities; has a profound impact on the lives of girls. The lack of access to education, basic healthcare, and economic opportunities perpetuates cycles of poverty and leaves girls more susceptible to early marriages and exploitation than their counterparts.”
Hermit said the exhibition was inspired by his life experiences.
“I have conquered because growth comes from many experiences, even when it seems like the future is bleak. Life has allowed me to grow within my chosen trajectory,” explained Hermit.
“It is both a gift and a blessing that I do not take for granted, having walked away from the corporate sector to pursue my passion for art. Every child must be allowed to live, dream and flourish under the protection of their guardians; however, this is not always the case.
“The plight of the vulnerable Zimbabwean girl child is such a growing menace. It cannot be ignored any longer.”
Hermit added that coupled with religious beliefs and cultural practices that perpetuate gender inequality, these factors create a hostile environment for the girl child, depriving her of her rights and limiting her potential.
“Through a diverse range of artistic expressions in painting, the exhibition aims to create empathy, understanding, and dialogue surrounding these pressing issues,” he said.
“By engaging with the complexities of poverty, religious beliefs, and cultural practices, “Regai Dzive Shiri …” challenges the status quo and advocates for gender equality, education, and empowerment.”
“It invites visitors to critically reflect on the harmful consequences of early child marriages and abuse, urging them to question and transform the societal norms and attitudes that perpetuate these injustices.
“Beyond raising awareness, “Regai Dzive Shiri …” actively collaborates with grassroots organisations, the government, and community leaders who are working tirelessly to protect and empower the girl child.”
Hermit said the exhibition catalyses community engagement, providing a platform for dialogue, workshops, and educational programmes aimed at breaking the chains.
Hermit was born in the majestic Eastern Highlands of Zimbabwe on March 19, 1976.
He is a self-taught artist who nurtured what started as an early childhood hobby into a career.
Growing up in Mutare, when the opportunity came he exhibited his artwork at competitions, at the Mutare Museum and the Annual Manicaland Agricultural Show.
Gaining confidence from his victories, he committed more of his time to developing his passion for art.
In 2008, Hermit threw all caution to the wind, when he took a bold step by giving up his secure job to pursue art.
Since then, he has gone into art full-time.
He started showcasing his works in 2009, as he took part in several group exhibitions and hosted four solo exhibitions in Zimbabwe and South Africa.
His love for people, their expressions, traditions, cultures and nature all inspire his work.
Hermit does realism with a touch of creative exploration.
His media of choice is pastel chalk and is in the process of building his creative hub.
Online Reporter