Chronicle Editor
Patrick Chitumba , [email protected]
THE tale of Keith Zenda, a talented artist based in Gweru, reads like a dream from the colours of his canvas. In 2003 he embarked on a journey that would define his life, one that would see him spending a month in South Korea, painting his way to international acclaim.
Keith’s artistic journey began when he embraced painting as a full-time pursuit, leaving behind the traditional paths of academics. For him, the canvas became a mirror reflecting his rural upbringing, and it was this very backdrop that became his muse.
With a skilled hand, Keith has created portraits of notable figures such as President Mnangagwa, the First Lady Dr Amai Auxillia Mnangagwa, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, celebrities, and business leaders. His work transcends mere portraiture; it tells the story of Zimbabwean culture, its spirit of Ubuntu, and the essence of a rich heritage.
Keith’s passion for his craft led him to South Korea, where he showcased his work and shared the intricacies of his artistic process. His dedication to art isn’t just a labour of love; it’s his livelihood.
“As a full time artist, I’m surviving from my art sales and art pays. I have done some exhibitions locally and internationally. By the grace of God I managed to build my home, another home for my mother as well and now I’m establishing an Arts and Culture Centre in my community in Gweru to groom, mentor and nurture young talents,” explained Zenda.
For now, Keith rents an Art Studio at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe in Harare, where he seeks to reach a wider audience.
He highlights the importance of supporting children in their unique talents, especially when they may not excel in traditional academics.
“I wasn’t that good in academics and so I just did my “O” level and I don’t even know where I put the results. From my education experience I encourage parents to support their children on their different talents especially when they’re not good in academics, they will be best in their God given talents. I remember myself at young age when I started art praying to God to bless my art and to become the best artist and now I see my prayer being answered,” he explained.
Keith’s journey isn’t just a testament to his artistic prowess; it’s a story of answered prayers. Born in Chirumhanzu in 1985, he discovered his gift at the tender age of 10. After finishing secondary school in 2003, he fully embraced art, inspired by his rural roots, painting scenes of thatched huts, forests, and women carrying firewood, all drawn from his childhood memories.
His art has graced local and international exhibitions, and he’s now focused on mentoring and training budding artists, sharing his skills and passion. Meeting Vice President Chiwenga was a milestone in his career, a chance to showcase his talent on a grand stage.
“Meeting and greeting the VP Chiwenga was an opportunity for me to showcase my talent to the highest level. I felt so much honoured and excited at the same time. I did exhibitions with the National Galleries of Zimbabwe locally and some of my works are in Africa Gallery in Tanzania, Arusha and sold more of my art to European countries as well.
“My art communicates African people’s daily lifestyle in urban and rural areas and also capturing our social stories and recoding our history. I grew up heading cattle and doing daily rural life activities,” he said.
Keith’s art isn’t confined to borders; it has found its way into African galleries and even European homes, where it tells the stories of African life and culture. His recent trip to South Korea was an opportunity to be an Art Ambassador for Africa, where he shared his work and culture with a global audience.
“I was invited to South Korea to represent my country Zimbabwe and Africa at large for The African Art Exhibition held at the venue: Sang Myung University, Future Centennial Hall, Gallery Wolhae.
Exhibition dates were 25 August to 10 September 2023. My art works were on display and I was painting as well talking to the visitors about my art, Africa and mostly about Zimbabwe.
“I also exhibited the Victoria Falls, Great Zimbabwe and the Big five paintings promoting tourism in Zimbabwe. It was a great moment for me to be an Art Ambassador for Africa especially Zimbabwe. I made good networking and this was also a culture exchange experience,” he said.
From South Korea, Zenda said he learnt about the culture and development of art as a business.
“Now I have more experience and ideas about how to monetize art. Art is a tourism attraction on its own also art contributes to the economy development. As of now I’m teaching and mentoring more than 50 underprivileged youth in the rural communities and urban communities for free using my own limited funds.
“I started an Art Center at Makepesi business centre as a way of giving back to my community and an Art hub in Mkoba 17, Gweru so to give a creative space for art residence and workshops to the underprivileged youths. The main idea is to remove the youth from drug abuse and crime,” said Zenda.
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