Branton Matondo
Manicaland arts family converged at National Gallery of Zimbabwe (NGZ) last Friday (March 10) to exhibit seven art works done by seven female artists.
The exhibition dubbed ‘HEAR MY STORY’ was pinned on emotive pieces produced by Elizabeth Madondo, Jane Chipara, Eurbetina Muganhu, Charmaine Chitate, Patience Mutyukira, Sandra Jennifer Matamisa and Tariro Gurira.
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Standards Association of Zimbabwe (SAZ) Business Development and Marketing Manager for Manicaland Nelia Chabuka who was also guest-of-honor commended the participation of young women as Zimbabwe and the world at large commemorates International women’s month.
“Zimbabwe and Manicaland celebrate this day aimed at encouraging society to embrace equity. The National Gallery of Zimbabwe in Mutare celebrates this day through an exhibition where six women presented their art works. We commend these women for being brave enough to tell their story through talents in fine arts.
“Art pieces in showcase unleashed fallen feelings and issues (inner and outer) that women encounter and deal with,” said Chaduka.
Rusape born artist Jane Chipara told this publication that the idea behind her piece called ‘Torn Apart’ is all about sexual harassment experienced by women.
“In Torn Apart, I was talking about sexual abuse and the painting in itself shows how someone is torn apart after being sexually abused. Sometimes women are abused by relatives and it takes time to tell someone let alone heal. In most cases if she does, blame is put on her because no one is attentive to what she is saying,” said Chipara.
However, for Patience Mutyukira who resides in Bocha, the story behind her four part painting narrows down to life of a single parent.
The painting blatantly delves into her single parenting life magnifying the challenges and meager sweet moments of her life journey.
“The inspiration of my piece stems from how single I am. I am a single parent raising up my children. Looking back, I grew up as a talented young lady and my mother used to draw. My brother was also good at drawing even my children are talented. I did my ceramic course in Bulawayo and then I came here in Manicaland. I fell in love but it all went south. In raising my children it was difficult. I then went to the school where my children were studying and we agreed that l will do some paintings for them. From then onwards, I have been rising,” she said.
Although most of the paintings sharpened the wailing voice of a woman, there was also an element of equity.
For blossom fanatic Tariro Gurira, her piece aroused paradoxical pulse that is adorned by beauty and rigged by struggle.
Her perfectly positioned flowers dominated by pink and red color pigment nakedly reveal the beauty of women but behind lay sharp, dry thorns portraying emotional struggles.
Raramo Yangu by Eurbetina Muganhu joys down on how a woman should support her husband in bad and good times.
Her inspiration is channeled from her grandmother who has been a pillar of advice.
While sharing sentiments at the exhibition NGZ Regional Director for Manicaland Elizabeth Muusha said women are resilient beings during these demanding times.
“Women are the strongest animals on the planet because they go through a lot. They are not only good at showcasing their talent but also most importantly are good purveyors of motherhood,” said Muusha.
