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Tawanda Marwizi Arts Correspondent
Zimbabwe’s visual art will be on international limelight at two international art fairs this month. Artists from First Floor Gallery in the capital have been invited to take part at the art fairs to be held in South Africa and Spain. The artworks will be showcased at Summa Art Fair in Madrid and FNB Joburg Art Fair from September 10 to 13.
In February artists from the First Floor participated at the Cape Town Art Fair that was held in South Africa. At the upcoming fairs the gallery will exhibit works by Gresham Tapiwa Nyaude, Wycliffe Mundopa and Richard Butler Bowdon as well as spotlighting Terrence Musekiwa, Lauren Webber.
Two promising emerging artists Troy Makaza, Takunda Billiat and Julio Rizhi will have their works participating in the prestigious events. Marcus Gora who is the gallery marketing director said participating on such platforms enhances visibility of emerging writers on international stages.
“As a small independent space, we are proud that our efforts are contributing to the growing visibility of emerging Zimbabwean artists on the local and international stage. Zimbabwe is blessed with abundant artistic talent which needs lot of support to unlock and realise its potential,” said Gora.
For Gora such events were crucial as they expose our local talent to the local market. “Our local visual arts sector is faced with many challenges which include a very weak local market. To bridge that gap, the artists that we work with, emerging and established are benefiting from exposure to the international art market,” said Gora.
Gora said they were elated to be selected as Zimbabwe’s representative. “We are happy to have been selected to participate at the art fair and it gives a chance for the young artistes that we work with to be introduced to the South African and international art market,” he said.
Gora said the youthful artistes will have the chance to exchange notes with their peers across the world.
Online Reporter