NEW: UZ students showcase artistic talents at Capstone Exhibition

Sharon Masocha and Violet Chenyika

Three visual art students from the University of Zimbabwe (UZ) have been running a three-day Capstone Art Exhibition in line with Education 5.0 at the UZ Campus from Wednesday ending on Friday.

The exhibition is running under the theme, ‘The Beauty Of Diversity, Celebrating African Creativity To Reflect The Zimbabwean Education 5.0 Philosophy’.

The three artists, Dzingai Chaumba, Fredrick Muzanenhamo and Makwarimba Gibson, have taken their time to walk the audience through their artistic journey.

Arts and Design lecturer at UZ, Mr Nyabulo Mpofu encouraged students to explore their artistic journeys through unique exhibition format and to display their best artworks from their first year of study emphasizing creativity and personal expression.

“Students select their best pieces from their two semesters, develop a cohesive theme, and create a catalogue to brand their artworks and this process not only highlights their artistic skills but also foster a sense of ownership and pride in their creations.

“This exhibition serves as a platform for students to engage with a diverse audience. Students are encouraged to incorporate found objects into their work, promoting environmental consciousness while also reducing reliance on commercial art suppliers.

“The program emphasizes the importance of entrepreneur skills in the arts. Students are taught to consider how their art can generate income, citing Portia Zvavahera whose painting was sold for US$280 000,” he said.

Mzanenhamo gave details about his peace named Makorokoza, which depicts how illegal gold planners damaged the society.

“The is a lot in the society due to illegal gold panners who are damaging our society and involved in drug and substance abuse. Most youths have joined the illegal mining in a way to make their livelihood easier. The art shows how the infrastructure is damaged,” he said.

Another artist, Chaumba, highlighted the personal life as the source of her inspiration and the use of available objects to make art.

“As traditional art materials become increasingly expensive, we are encouraging students to think outside the box and use found objects and waste material. A good number of artists have gone into this area where they are using waste materials and they have produced very good aesthetic art,” he said.

Retired Gallarist, Mr Thomas Pasirai said the rise of artificial intelligence sparked debate on the nature of creativity.

“If we produce art using artificial technology are we convinced that it is real art? Is it authentic? As artists, we must navigate this new landscape, we must balance traditional techniques with innovative methodologies.

“Zimbabwean students should be encouraged to produce art and compete in the international arena,” he said.