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Lovemore Meya Arts Correspondent
The ongoing Tavatose/ Sisonke visual arts exhibition whose theme is “Vanishing Wetlands,” is an eye opener to the generality of the Zimbabwean populace when it comes to preserving these revered places.
Opening its doors to the public last Saturday at the National Gallery, the exhibition will run until July 27.
And the phrase, “catch them young” aptly sums up the importance of raising a child fully equipped with knowledge of his or her surroundings.
A closer look at more than 40 eye-catching pieces of work displayed at the gallery is a clear indication that the young talent, if supported will carve their names into the art world.
Their images which are in pencil and paper, crayon, water paint among other mediums explores the vanishing of wetlands in a holistic approach.
Each student produced a thought-provoking piece highlighting how human activity has adversely affected flora and fauna due to the extinction of wetlands.
Displayed images ranges from landscape where land degradation has become the order of the day, stream bank cultivation which promotes silting and so forth.
The diverse work presented through the young artists’ eyes brings into reality shocking effects of disappearing wetlands which reduces the quality of water as the purification process is compromised.
Their artworks vividly showed the consequences of vanishing wetlands that result in floods, food shortage, depleting animals and plant life.
Speaking at the official opening and prize giving of the exhibition, Environmental Management Agency, environmental education and publicity manager, Mr Steady Kangata said it takes environmental education to achieve a paradigm shift on environmental issues.
“I believe that this exhibition is not only about art, but the participants and all that are present already have a different understanding of the importance of wetlands,” he said.
Those who came out-tops received cash prizes and certificates.
The exhibition’s main thrust is to promote the artistic talent in schools and at the same time examining critical issues that are pertinent to the development of a nation.
Therefore it explores children’s feelings, observations and solutions to the vanishing wetlands in the country that are disappearing because of human expansion.
It was attended by more than 100 pupils, students, teachers and parents.
Online Reporter