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THERE is something striking about the way visual artists explore social issues.
Through genres like painting and sculpture, artists often take viewers through meditation on memorable social experiences.
Some exhibitions arouse emotions of love, sympathy, hatred and joy as artistic impressions hanging on gallery walls invoke deeper reflections of social scenes that punctuate our daily experiences.
Such touching artistic impressions make the greater part of the Annual Young Artists’ Exhibition that is underway at Delta Gallery.
Running under the theme Artists in the Stream the exhibition showcases works of more than 60 artists that are still trying to sink their roots on the local arts ground.
Although most of the artists are fresh from colleges, their pieces exhibit great potential and talent.
Their divergent and colourful way of pursuing various social themes is fascinating.
Even artist and arts critic Helen Lieros acknowledges the exhibitors’ versatility.
In her foreword to the exhibition, Lieros notes that the artists defied their poor backgrounds to come up with pieces that are relevant across the social class structure.
“The young artists came en-mass to participate, full of zest, determination, hope and expectation,” she says.
“Nothing seems to deter them: their lack of paints and other art materials and even a bus fare.
“Indeed some walked through the night carrying their works on their backs.
“The works having greater impact were those to do with relationships to life.
“Those artists who displayed natural qualities of drawing, composition, harmony and imagination, combined with exploration of different media came to the fore.”
Such outstanding artists include Anusa Salanje whose depiction of anti-riot police in protective gear under the title Black Boots is exceptional while Gabriel Nedy would tease your conscience through the piece Mother’s Love that shows a young boy clinging to his pregnant mother.
Lester Manthimba depicts how age takes its toll on us through the painting Life Changes with Time that shows a wrinkle-faced and grey-haired old man in pensive mood.
Through use of mixed media John James reflects on the plight of the disadvantaged in the piece Beggars’ Plight while Johnson Zuze delves into the issue of changing cultures through his presentation of the African Madonna.
Other spectacular pieces include Wallen Mapondera’s In Memory of my Weath, Victim of the Aftermath by Remo Kachere, Climate Change by Valentine Mutasa and Clive Mukucha’s The Embrace.
Other artists with pieces in the showcase include Richard Mudariki, Inzwai Mushowe, Petros Mwenga, Moffat Takadiwa and Andrew Muziri.
Delta Gallery assistant director Gina Maxim commended the artists for coming up with good works saying the exhibition would provide a stepping stone to fame for some of the exhibitors.
“Their works are commendable. This annual exhibition has taken place for over 30 years and we have seen artists rising to fame from this showcase.
“Some of the exhibiting artists have already made an impact and their future will be shaped from these pieces on display,” she said.
Indeed the artists did their best and Lieros says they must be congratulated “for their untiring efforts to produce good and meaningful works in times of great economic and personal hardships”.
BY GODWIN MUZARI
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