Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
VISUAL artist Stella Kwambana may not draw attention on the streets, but she has created a unique discipline known as String Art.
Utilising twine, she crafts impressive artworks that have garnered admiration from regional buyers, especially in Mozambique.
Kwambana has been working there since 2014, having learnt the craft from a good friend known as Manzuru Art.
She has since returned to Zimbabwe and now operates from her home in Ruwa, about 23 kilometres southeast of Harare.
After receiving tremendous support from fans and regular buyers, Kwambana decided to create a portrait for President Mnangagwa titled “The Unwavering Support,” which she hopes to present to the Head of State.
The portrait was expertly crafted using twine in national colours, featuring the picture of the President donning his trademark scarf in the centre of the artwork.
In an interview with Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub, Kwambana expressed that she was inspired by the President’s mantra of leaving no one behind, including those in the creative sector.
“I learnt this art in 2014 in Mozambique, where I worked for years as a hairdresser and manicure artist before settling into this demanding yet exciting discipline,” she recalled. “After mastering the craft, I decided to bring it to Zimbabwe last year because it is less popular locally. I am glad that I have managed to auction my pieces to high-profile individuals, which is a significant achievement for me. I will continue working hard to ensure that this art form is fully embraced on home turf.”
When asked why she designed President Mnangagwa’s portrait, Kwambana explained that he deserved to be honoured in a unique way.
“Without fear or favour, we should always learn to appreciate our father and number one citizen for transforming Zimbabwe and championing infrastructure development nationwide. I am not only his supporter; I equate him to a father figure who has done a lot for the nation. He has empowered women, children and rural communities. I cannot thank him enough for the role he has played in transforming the creative sector into what it is today. Many artists have been rewarded, and that is a huge endorsement we have been yearning for over the years,” she emphasised.
Like many creatives, Kwambana faces daily challenges in her profession. “Currently, I operate from home, and as you can imagine, I need a proper gallery to work from. Another challenge is the lack of an aggressive market, which has been my biggest setback. Right now, my work is available on my Facebook and WhatsApp status, but I hope to market it on a larger scale to gain recognition beyond our borders, especially internationally, where there is a greater demand for Zimbabwean visual artists.” Despite these obstacles, Kwambana remains resolute. “I may face difficulties like many of my peers, but art should always prevail. We keep pushing and moving forward, which is a positive step for myself and the team I work with behind the scenes. I may not find buyers instantly, but art appreciates in value, which is why I remain focused on my craft. It’s a special calling that I cannot hide.”
As an expectant mother of two, she finds balancing her numerous responsibilities challenging. “As a creative, mother, and hustler, multitasking is not easy, but I strive to maintain a balance to ensure that all areas of my life are not affected. I also make time for my family, which has made my work more manageable.”
Kwambana was raised in a family of four and is the first born child. She has been a breadwinner from a young age. “I lost both my parents long ago and was raised by my grandmother in Mutasa District, Manicaland Province. I completed my high school education at Sherukuru Secondary School but ended my studies at the Ordinary Level.”
