ZIMBABWE-BORN budding painting artist Rumbidzwaiishe Chirara has continued to pursue her passion in the United States, where she recently relocated to.
The 18-year-old said she started painting while in Grade 5, but only became fully exposed to the world of art in her first year in high school.
Chirara told NewsDay Life & Style that it has not been easy for her to make a mark in the cutthroat arts industry, where she has to compete with seasoned artists for recognition.
“I was in Grade 5 and that was the first time I was exposed to the whole idea of art in general. However, I only started taking it seriously in my first year in high school. It was really hard trying to find my voice in a very competitive environment, so I spent a lot of time sketching.”
According to Chirara, relocating to a more stable economy such as the US had given her more confidence to pursue her arts career.
“I think being where I am now will give my art more prominence. I’ve noticed that here in the US, they value art more and support it. There are lots of events and opportunities to network with other artists, art enthusiasts and many people who are already successful in that industry.’
She added: “It’s like a culture to them, whereas in Zimbabwe, it was really hard even convincing people that art can be a real career. It’s also just economic factors that lead to people not being able to support and appreciate the value of art, so I do understand.”
Chirara has been in the US for only four months, but she is already realising her potential for growth.
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“I do a lot of commissions and use social media to advertise my art more. I do hope I can put my work in a gallery soon,” she said.
Chirara’s art is mainly of her family, emotions and inspirations.
She described her art as symbols created through use of colours to portray people or objects.
“I am sometimes motivated to create pieces based on different emotions. I found that through portraits, I could create something beautiful and express myself at the same time. I also use facial expressions to depict an emotion, as well as symbolism, created by use of colours as well as objects, gestures or animals,” the budding paint artist said.
“I also enjoy showing all shades of black women and I don’t necessarily think about it I guess because I have a sister and my mom and we are all different skin tones. Using my reference photo, I just paint as I go,” she added.
Earlier in 2022, she held a solo exhibition show in Zimbabwe which she said was well attended.
