admin
Kundai Marunya-Arts Correspondent
Renowned visual artist Raphael Jamu is set to open a solo exhibition at the Iran Culture Centre in Mt Pleasant, Harare on August 1 to raise funds for his trip to São Paulo, Brazil, for a cultural exchange programme.
Themed “Rural Life”, the exhibition which runs until August 20 will see the artist, celebrated for his gift especially in making portraits and selling his artwork to fund the travel expenses which include accommodation, airfare and visa.
The opening will see patrons being charged US$10 to be part of the event which will have musical performances by Tamy Moyo and Dereck Mpofu.
Corporates and other stakeholders will be charged US$50 to be part of the event while food and drinks will be available.
Jamu said the event will bring the arts community together.
“At this event, we unite visual art and music, something that will bring art lovers together in a relaxed environment”, he said.
“We have Tamy Moyo and Dereck Mpofu as guest artists. I do understand that it’s quite unusual for people to pay for an exhibition but bear in mind that this is to fundraise for a greater good”.
Jamu was invited to São Paulo in his capacity as the president and founder of Hillock Arts Foundation, an organisation that teaches art in underprivileged communities.
The cultural exchange programme is being facilitated by Instituto ReggArte, a collective of artists and professionals that organises social events and cultural campaigns to collect food, clothes, and toys to help underprivileged communities.
The institution has a reach of around 170 families and they also assist with cultural activities and occupational therapy.
In an invitation letter seen by Herald Arts, Instituto ReggArte cultural producer Nair Omena da Costa said her organisation will not be assisting Jamu with travel expenses.
“Our work aims to promote the visibility of artists with disabilities and as we survive on donations from partners we will not be able to support the expenses regarding this cultural exchange,” writes da Costa.
“It will be of great value for us to have you here and we kindly ask you to find a sponsor to provide the necessary costs for your stay”.
Jamu said he is elated to be invited to work with an organisation that shares his passion to assist the underprivileged.
“This is a great opportunity to exchange ideas and learn how others are doing it, how we can improve and engage a different approach in helping communities through arts and culture”, he said.
“I’m really thrilled to be part of the cultural exchange, and I hope I will be able to raise funds and make the trip”.
Jamu has called on both individual art lovers, organisations, and the corporate to be part of his event.
“Come in your numbers and support our efforts,” he said.
“We especially invite corporates and other arts organisation to come and support our fundraising”.
Jamu is famous for making portraits of leading personalities including President Mnangagwa, the First Lady, the late South African revolutionary icon Nelson Mandela, Minister of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation Kirsty Coventry, and her deputy Tino Machakaire, among many others.
Much of his work is displayed in Government offices and private homes.
Jamu said during his trip he will present a painting to the Brazilian president.
“On the trip, I’m going to hand over a painting to the president of Brazil as a sign of good relations between Hillock Arts Foundation representing the people of Zimbabwe, and the Brazilian artists,” he said.
Online Reporter