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Nkosilathi Sibanda, Sunday Life Correspondent
CELEBRATED visual artist and curator Tafadzwa Gwetai has pulled out one of the biggest exhibitions that combined works done by 10 of the country’s best artists at the National Gallery in Bulawayo and is set to be on display until next year.
The exhibition launched last week, could well be crowned the most attended this year, having recorded more than 150 art lovers and critics in one night. Renowned painter Rashid Jogee gave an apt opening remark that paved way for the much talked about exhibition.
Running under the title “Pro Pic” (The Alter Ego), the exhibition, Gwetai said, is an idea that is based on how people are influenced by social media trends.
The acclaimed curator said the aim of the exhibition was to highlight the impact of technology on individuals’ identity.
Gwetai’s team of creatives that contributed to the exhibition includes photo-journalist Antony Zinyange, Tinashe Vangani, Nomvuyiso Mabi, Wisdom Vangani, Talent Kapadza, Sibanengi Dube, Knox Chimbetete, Aubrey Bango, Anusa and Sky Solanje based in Harare.
“Ten of Zimbabwe’s best and upcoming artists have combined to hang paintings and sculptures to portray the status quo pertaining to the modern methods of which people are representing themselves. Social media has created a platform for people to represent themselves,” Gwetai said.
“The ‘profile picture’ has become a platform for self representation through the use of images of one’s self or symbols that represent a state of mind that one desires to share with people. In this exhibition, the artists display such kind of a trend as the alter ego of all humans engaged in social media. It is a virtual identity.
“The profile picture concept, as the artists depict, becomes one’s new virtual identity. In these modern times there has been an increase in more contemporary forms of communication and this has resulted in an increase of how people feel they need to portray themselves.”
He said part of the success of the exhibitions that he curates is credited to support from the business community.
“The visual arts in Bulawayo are growing and we would want to thank our local business community, BackRoom, Shisha Lounge, Multi Media Box and Ethnic Wear Accessories. The corporate world has given us so much support and such kind of synergies help a lot in pushing the Zimbabwean art story to the world.”
The “Pro Pic” exhibition is the second of its kind that Gwetai has curated. One of his most talked about show, Network Connected, was hung at the National Gallery in Bulawayo in August.
Gwetai is also credited with establishing a visual arts trust, House of Menka that is dedicated to uplift and promote the understanding, education and appreciation of the arts.
“The main objective of House of Menka is to facilitate exhibitions for young and undiscovered artistic talent.
“The bigger picture is to foster an understanding and appreciation of art from Zimbabwe from within the country and generate a sense of indigenous pride of our Zimbabwean contemporary artists,” he said.
Online Reporter