adminVISUAL artists in Bulawayo rarely ever get a chance to compete amongst themselves. More so, their work is not penetrating the market. Buyers are scarce and the industry is yet to make a mark as a viable economic sector.
With most artists wear sad faces over the prevailing scenario, Valerie Sithole (VS), a resident artist at the National Art Gallery in Bulawayo sees a promising future.
She won the first prize in the 2014 Intwasa Arts Festival visual art competition, outdoing seasoned talents in the country.
Below, she talks to Saturday Leisure’s Nkosilathi Sibanda (NS) on the need for female participation in the trade. Her view is that the visual arts can be a vehicle that would change lives and chart a new path to self-sustenance in the arts.
NS: How does it feel to win the 2014 Intwasa Arts Festival visual art competition?
VS: I was shocked. I never thought I would go as far as taking the top prize. Honestly I was up against big names in the industry who many thought would win the big prize. It was a befitting honour indeed.
NS: Describe your technique?
VS: I specialise in print making, linoleum, portraits and woodcut prints. That is what I am good at.
NS: Is one born an artist?
VS: Definitely! If you have it in you, it is yours to practice with. Of course there are some who learn the trade later in their formative years but I believe one is born an artist.
One needs to know the basics of painting and visual art in general to enhance their inborn talent.
NS: You studied art at university, but how did you manage to balance work and school?
VS: Even if I had the talent to create visually impressive art, I needed to improve my knowledge and skill. I experienced that while I was at school of Applied Art at the Bulawayo Polytechnic and at the Vaal University of Technology in South Africa. School enhances one’s work. You cannot create without the rightful elements.
NS: Art galleries and economic activities of the industry are controlled by men. What is your view on gender and art in Zimbabwe? Are females afforded equal opportunities?
VS: The visual painting industry, like all creative industries is dominated by men. This has been the case for years. Now that young women are entering the fray, we are being recognised. It is an achievement considering that the whole world now champions the advancement of women and their contribution in the economy. In Zimbabwe it is hard to be accepted as a talented female artist, but things are changing for the better.
NS: Is your living dependant on art, considering the slow appreciation of the visual arts in the country.
VS: Oh yes, I am earning a living out of my work. You just have to produce more in order to get something. Just as with every job hard work pays. This is my life. I love it.
NS: You honed your skills in South Africa. Would you say Zimbabwe art can make the grade at internationally level?
VS: There is more exposure in South Africa than here at home. We need to create the necessary environment for our works to flourish and save as an avenue to create sustainable employment. As young as I am, I have been inspired by so many works from Zimbabwe. The overwhelming parity between local art and the Mzansi industry is on funding.
NS: Would you say visual art has a future in Zimbabwe?
VS: We need to market our works extensively. If only some materials were readily available and cheaper.
NS: Most painters cry foul over works being photo shopped or stolen by photographers who invade galleries. How are you coping with the threats posed by technology?
VS: It is a competition. I have realised that one has to adapt to the changes. Complaining would not bring joy. Technology also supports art. We have to think in other terms to safeguard the trade. If piracy is a threat then let us do things differently.
derick.khumalo