National Gallery hosts Rashid Jogee retrospective: Tribute to a pioneering artis

DEEP in the realm of African abstract expressionism, few artists have left an indelible mark like the late Bulawayo-born Rashid Jogee.

Jogee’s family, who immigrated from India, played a pivotal role in establishing one of the first mosques in Zimbabwe, providing a significant cultural and religious foundation for the Islamic community in the country. At the age of 19, Jogee began his artistic journey, studying Applied Arts and Design at the Polytechnic College in Bulawayo. By 1971, he was teaching at the Mzilikazi Arts and Craft Centre. During the Second Chimurenga War, which led to Zimbabwe’s Independence, Jogee was conscripted and served as a medic for the Rhodesian Defence Force (RDF).

A retrospective exhibition of Jogee’s work opens on July 11 at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe (NGZ) in Bulawayo, celebrating his boundless energy, creative genius, and unwavering dedication to his craft.

In a press statement, Dr Tony Monda described Jogee as an unsung hero of artistic proportions and a profound social commentator through African lyrical abstraction.

“Jogee’s art was an extension of his being—a symphony of colours, lines, and emotions that transcended borders and defied categorisation,” Monda said.

“His work reflected his experiences, beliefs, and passions, portraying a continuous journey of self-discovery and spiritual exploration. With every brushstroke, Jogee conveyed the intensity of his emotions, the depth of his thoughts, and the richness of his culture. His art spoke directly to the soul, a language without boundaries.”

Born in Bulawayo in 1951, Jogee grew up amid racial, religious, and cultural intolerance. Despite the chaos, his art emerged as a beacon of hope, unity, and peace. Drawing inspiration from his Zimbabwean heritage, Islamic faith, and the world around him, he crafted a unique visual language that was both personal and universal.

Jogee’s artistic journey was marked by an innovative spirit, a willingness to experiment, and a courageous challenge to conventions. His tireless work produced art that was both a reflection of his inner world and a response to the external world.

Through his art, Jogee engaged his audience with a poetic and musical language that echoed the rhythms of life, the beauty of nature, and the complexity of human emotions. His work continues to inspire, heal, and connect people across time and space.

In his words, “Art is like food and drink to me. Without it, I can’t survive—I am a compulsive painter.”

Dr Monda noted that Jogee was an unconventional and unique voice in the art world, celebrated for his energetic vitality and spiritual approach to his craft.

“Jogee’s art often approached extremes, with a vivid and effective prestissimo that was both breathless and impactful. His creative energy was inexhaustible, ranging from the graceful and tranquil grazioso to the smooth and continuous legato,” he said.

“This musicality in his work was a crucial aspect of his lyrical abstraction, reflecting his belief that ‘the idea, the paint and ink flow through my veins.'”

Jogee’s art, inspired by the land of Zimbabwe and particularly Bulawayo, brought messages of hope and the will to live. His pieces, such as the poignant “The War is Over,” showcased his experiences as a war medic in the late 1970s.

A prolific painter, Jogee worked on multiple paintings in a single day, demonstrating exceptional craftsmanship and a unique economy of line. His ink and wash drawings, particularly from 2000 to 2002, displayed his skill and immediacy, capturing a geometric yet sculptural femininity.

Jogee’s art sought universal peace, and his distinct voice continues to inspire audiences beyond his culture and the socio-political contexts of his time. – Follow on X @MbuleloMpofu