Visual artist shines at Manisa

Weekender Correspondent
YOUNG visual artist Enigma Chitumburudzi stole the show at the just-ended Manicaland Show of the Arts (MANISA) by scooping the Distinction Award gong in an intriguing exhibition that was held at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe last Saturday. The exhibition which has grown to be an annual event since 1999 at the gallery’s first inception was attended by tens of visual artists from across the country, among them university and college students.

The adjudicators saw the 18-year-old Enigma’s magnificent paintings titled “Life in Hell” and “Famine” way too nice for competition and walked away with a certificate and $100 among other prizes.

He outclassed more than 20 visual artistes from across the country.
The event was aimed at promoting the development of visual arts through Manicaland resident artists as well as encouraging painters, sculptors, textile designers and others to be creative and innovative in showcasing their artistic talents under a given theme.
It was held under the theme: “Extreme Heat” (Kwapisisa).

Enigma, in an interview after the event, said the feat would encourage him to be more innovative and work even harder.
“The contest was tight. I never expected to win. It, however, came at a time when hope and motivation was fast fading because of lack of support. Art is something within me, but sometimes it is discouraging if I fail to get support from stakeholders. I feel discouraged to go on. I would like to thank God, my parents and Pastor Ngove for nurturing my talent and believing in me always,” said the Mutare Poly student.

National Gallery of Zimbabwe Manicaland regional manager, Elizabeth Muusha, said the inclusion of schools was an attempt to bridge the gap in the development of art.
She said although the event was successful, it was disheartening that no sponsor chipped in with some financial assistance.

“Although we operated on a zero budget, I am glad to say that the event was successful. We applaud the coming in of varsities such as Great Zimbabwe and Chinhoyi University among other colleges and schools for being part of this event.

“We thank Government for the stand alone ministry responsible for art and culture. However, we would want to see more happening in capacitating this ministry with both human material resources that includes funding because without resources this ministry cannot survive,” she said.