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Kundai Marunya-Arts Correspondent
Award-winning visual artist, Keith Zenda, at the weekend opened an exhibition at South Korea’s Sang Myung University Future Centennial Hall, Gallery Wolhae, to become one of the African contemporary artists to showcase in Asia.
The exhibition, which opened on August 25, will run until September 10.
Apart from the work on display, the “African Contemporary Art Exhibition” will see Zenda being part of the interactive showcase with live painting.
Zenda said he was honoured to represent Africa.
“I really feel honoured to represent Africa at the first ever African contemporary art exhibition in Asia; not only Zimbabwe but Africa as a whole, getting so much respect and recognition,” he said. “Its not something I expected, to be getting recognised as a renowned visual artist.”
Zenda said the exhibition opening was well attended.
“The opening went well, with a great number of people in attendance,” he said. “My art was celebrated in an outstanding way and some of the art work sold on the day of the opening.”
The NAMA award-winning Zenda said the exhibition is part of a cultural exchange he wishes to continue by bring Asian artists to Zimbabwe.
“This is more of a cultural exchange between Africa and Asia, Zimbabwe and South Korea,” he said. “I hope we can do another exhibition in Zimbabwe as a continuation of the cultural exchange programme.
“I’m connecting with some South Korean artists whom I will invite to Zimbabwe to do a workshop and exhibition.”
Zenda said during his three week stay in Asia, he will be doing live painting at the gallery.
“I’m here for three weeks, so I will be doing live painting at the gallery there, so when people come to see the art work, they will also have a chance to see me create so its really a great opportunity for me and an adventure as well,” he said.
Zenda grew up in Lower Gweru where he also set up an art centre to teach art to children from underprivileged community and encourage rising visual artists to keep working.
“I encourage upcoming artists to keep working hard, practice more, to be patient and persistent,” he said.
At a time where companies endorse mostly performing artists especially musicians, Zenda also challenged the government and corporates to support visual art.
“Please support and promote visual art because it also plays an important role in building the economy and in bringing cultural tourism,” he said.
“The government should also allocate a budget to buy art from locals to keep the artwork in museums and galleries on permanent collection for the future generations as art is a way of recording our history. Most of our art is being bought by foreigners, being taken out of Zimbabwe to other countries.
“It will be difficult for us to buy that art back when it becomes more valuable thus they will be displayed and selling for millions in European museums and gallery but hen Zimbabwe will be left with nothing as all our history and treasure is being sold out to foreign land.”
Online Reporter