BULAWAYO artists teamed up recently to exhibit their art pieces and paintings in a bid to rekindle local art-lovers interest at a time the art scene in Bulawayo was dying.
This comes after 16 artists exhibited their pieces at the National Art Gallery on October 18 at an exhibition themed Resonance in Silence Bulawayo Speaks by ArtBulawayo, a pioneer display.
ArtBulawayo curator and founder Danisile Ncube told NewsDay Life & Style they had realised that artists from Buawayo were lacking recognition, hence the need to hold the exhibition.
“Identifying ourselves as ArtBulawayo artists does not make us segregated, but gives a sense of belonging to a certain region,” he said.
“We definitely want to be recognised as we feel we lack recognition. If we are not recognised, we shall recognise ourselves first make us heard and seen.”
Ncube said the local art scene had taken an artistic meditationand was back on stage.
“Nationally, it has brought awareness to those who had thought that the art scene in Bulawayo is dead, but here it is. It has been undergoing ‘artistic meditation’ and here it is speaking in all its artistic genres,” he said.
The platform allowed local artists to showcase their work, contributing to the growth and development of the art community in Bulawayo as well as marketing their work on the international stage, Ncube said.
- Daily life struggles reflected in Burning Figure
- Muskwe lives off paints and brushes.
- Germany embassy unveils Buddy Bear
- Artists, National Art Gallery cross swords
Keep Reading
“The exhibition is aimed at amplifying marginalised voices of children, women and men as they also fall into the same basket and is meant to challenge social and political norms, promoting cultural exchange and understanding,” he added.
Meanwhile, the exhibition has sparked conversations and raised awareness on the artists’ concerns, emphasising that change is gradual and their painted, sculpted, installed and photographed voices inspired the new generations of artists to take artistic opportunities seriously, maintaining professionalism.
Artists who took part in this first showcasing included Lauryn Arnott, Nomvuyiso Mpofu, Mavis Ndhlovu, Jeanette Johnson, Doris Kamupira, Nonhlanhla Mathe, Nkanyezi Malunga, Enock Chimbetete, Dumisani Ndlovu, Stanley Sibanda, Charles Bhebe, Marvelous Gumbi, Charles Nkomo, Voti Thebe, Arlington Mzondo and Ncube himself.
The artists challenged everyone on why they pretended that change was not happening.
This was evident in their diverse paintings, including women’s voices advocating social justice, human rights, women’s empowerment and women’s rights, anti-social activities including alcohol abuse, drug abuse and substance abuse, as well as environmental issues and recycling and upcycling.
The art pieces showcased were titled Ezivuzayo and Zimbhokodo, The Maidens, Spiritual Dance, sculpture installation The Seers, Hand to Mouth.
Standout works are the installation Ugwadule and a termite worked piece titled Pending Message
