adminEntertainment Correspondent
PROMINENT visual artist, Simbarashe Mwoyowaonda, will tonight (Friday) showcase his visual works at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe Mutare offices in an exhibit dubbed: “Shaping visions”. The 35-year-old innovative artist will showcase paintings and picturesque pottery made of clay depicting the rich Shona culture and tradition. In an interview, Mwoyowaonda believes his works would go a long way in reminding people about valuing own social etiquettes and tradition.
“I am going to exhibit paintings that depict pots and pictures of people simultaneously. The paintings will portray the significance of African values, social and cultural etiquettes in a unique and captivating way. “They are so many ways to urge fellow locals to preserve our culture and tradition and I believe I am sending a message by the paintings. The paintings are made in shapes and sizes,” he said.
National Gallery of Zimbabwe Manicaland regional director, Elizabeth Muusha said they were fighting a tough battle to convince locals about the critical value of visual arts in communication as well as addressing social and cultural follies affecting them.
“These are not just paintings. There is a message behind. Mwoyowaonda tends to urge people to preserve their culture and tradition by valuing our social etiquettes such as using clay pots to cook. He also depicts the importance of household chores in our African culture. I urge people to come in numbers to witness such magnificent displays portrayed in a unique way,” said Muusha.
She added: “I must admit that it is still difficult for locals to embrace art as a way of communication. It has been a challenge to make our own people appreciate art but Mwoyowaonda’s exhibit session will be one such session worth attending to. Art is beautiful.” Manicaland Provincial Administrator, Fungai Mbetsa, is expected to be the guest of honour.
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