National Gallery exhibition opens

Dennis Chimanzi

THE National Gallery of Zimbabwe (NGZ) has opened this year’s exhibition, which is expected to run until December.

Artists from different parts of the country are taking part in the annual fair.

The exhibition is in three categories, namely, “Love and Other Acts of Will”, “Katundu Katurikwa” and “Ndiani Mambo”.

Varied artists feature in all the sets that have different display time slots.

Traditional artefacts that tell a unique Zimbabwean story are on exhibition.

In an interview with The Sunday Mail Society, NGZ executive director Mr Raphael Chikukwa said the expo will help the public to learn more about our culture and identity.

“This exhibition is vital, especially to the public who want to learn about the different dynamics of our culture and heritage. Through art, they get to understand what it means to be Zimbabwean,” notes Mr Chikukwa.

The exhibition is also meant to teach both the artists and the public how to make a living out of art. Some of the materials used by the artists are sourced for free and sold after value addition. Local art has a ready market across borders, particularly in Western countries.

“This is a platform to exchange ideas. It is a time for the public to understand how the arts sector operates. Similarly, they can learn how to make special artifacts using waste material,” added Mr Chikukwa.

NGZ curator Ms Fadzai Muchemwa said the exhibition opened on a higher note.

“Thousands of people have come through for the exhibition and are sharing ideas with the artists,” she said.

She was, however, worried about the low number of blacks who are showing interest in the event.

“The large chunk of people who are coming to this exhibition are white, meaning we still have a lot to do with regard to changing perception.”

Meanwhile, the NGZ last week partnered with Zimpapers to host a workshop aimed at sharpening arts reporters’ skills.

The workshop was attended by Zimpapers group chief executive officer Mr Pikirayi Deketeke.

“It is our privilege as the biggest media company to have journalists who are well-trained in all fields like this field of art. This can make our company different and outstanding compared to other media companies in the country,” said Mr Deketeke.

“We should write stories that portray our identity as art defines us. Art is not only music. There are a lot of sectors that also need reporting such as sculptor, visual arts and, of course, fashion.”