admin
Valerie Mpundu
University of Zimbabwe Media and Marketing student, MacCalvin Dziva, has big dreams as a visual artist.
Largely self-taught, the 21-year-old draws inspiration from his surroundings, music and imagination to come up with captivating art collections. Using ballpoint pens, oil pastels, newspapers and magazine collages, Dziva has been perfecting his art since Grade One although it started as a hobby.
In an interview, the artist revisited the footprints of his artistic path sharing great moments and misses.
“Oblivious of my God-given talent, I would randomly make sketches. It was just a hobby that held me captive yet I never yearned to break free.
“It was at a later stage that I realised the talent within me. I had not fully paid much attention to it growing up,” he said.
Having discovered his talent, Dziva started paying attention to detail as he matured with every piece.
“When it comes to art, I love to be more eccentric and this is achieved through my source of reference.
“I usually use more than one reference photo to create a piece of art.
“I am more drawn to the social lives of African people and recently have been working on several series.”
Some of his pieces include “Brigadier’s Boot”, “Chronicles of African Couture”, “Storm is Over” and “Dreams” only to mention but a few.
Dziva said most of his art collections hold sentimental values dating back to his childhood.
“This reminds me of how free and jovial I was; the artwork has a depiction of the old me with my eyes closed reflecting on the impact of my childhood dreams on my current life.
“It shows two sides of life which are contradictory to each other as one is a silhouette of me looking up and the other one looking down, representing the roller coaster rides I face in life,” he expressed.
Now a grown-up, Dziva said he felt nervous every time he started working on a new piece.
“Whenever I start working on a new art piece, I always feel like an amateur. Every piece of art produced is a different experience.
“I believe I learn every day and learning is a continuous process. Most people find it hard to believe because of how outstanding the pieces are.
“I still struggle with proportions sometimes but with consistency, I have managed to improve and work on my weaknesses transforming them into creative strengths.”
Dziva recalled how he managed to pull off masterpieces with “Spirit of a Soldier” and “Dreams” artworks despite flawed proportions.
“A very sharp and keen eye can tell the irregularities on the pieces but I managed to channel my weakness into a strength creating something more meaningful and beautiful,” he said.
He, however, bemoaned the lack of recognition for visual artists locally.
“Art in Zimbabwe is being overlooked, the arts industry is not being considered and utilised to maximum capacity.
“Artworks are often left unappreciated and the value of art remains uncertain which affects artists more.
“I believe this is one of the reasons why artists are migrating. Their works are being undervalued yet they do contribute to the economy.”
Dziva hailed stakeholders who have committed themselves to the success of visual arts.
“Though the industry is overlooked, efforts are being implemented to improve the creative sector.
“It all comes together if art galleries support all genres of art and creative artists even though one is professional or self-taught.
“If that can be done, a lot of hidden talent lurking in the shadows will be exposed,” he said.
During his spare time, Dziva usually does cover designs for colleague’s music albums.
He also exhibits at the (UZ) annual student exhibition.
Online Reporter