Branton Matondo
National Gallery of Zimbabwe (NGZ) in Mutare recorded yet another successful exhibition this past Friday as digital artists from the capital under a youth driven banner Wada Collective displayed their fine canvas digital art.
For the past two months, the NGZ has proved to be moving in the right direction when it comes to improving and celebrating African driven art.
This past Friday saw Mutare witnessing a digital art exhibition pinned on the showcasing of contemporary art by a Harare based ensemble called Wada Collective made up of six digital artists.
The two hour exhibition was also graced by Dean for College of Social Sciences, Theology, Humanities and Education (CSSTHE) at Africa University Professor Girma Menelik.
Wada Collective Co-founder and Communications Officer Tamuka Chigeda said the exhibition was pinned on elevating African culture at the same time revealing various elucidations from the artists.
“The theme of Africa Beyond reflects Africa in past, Africa now and Africa in the future. Artists were told of the two words ‘Afrika Beyond’ and they were told to come up with their own interpretations. Digital art is taking off in a big way. However, the biggest limitation is the cost of data because you have to do a lot of research and designing online. You also need pictures that you can depict and a whole lot of online things that need data.
“The community is growing and at the moment we have at least 200 digital artists and the response from prospective artists is growing,” said Chigeda.
“The future is to do more in terms of advocacy. Artists need to be more visible so that their art is well known and their art travels to further locations. Artists are secretive but we are trying to advocate for artists to let the world know what they are producing so that they connect and create synergies.
“We always call for artists to attend exhibitions. Our future is to create Wada University, a perfect hub that allows artists to work on their art in a calm and professional setup.”
National Gallery of Zimbabwe (NGZ) Regional Director Elizabeth Muusha pinned her comment on moving with the times when it comes to art.
“We have been blessed to open Afrika Beyond exhibition. Afrika Beyond is an exhibition for artists from Harare. The good thing that we are noticing is that digital art is moving with times. Through digital art, we are talking about contemporary art. Africa cannot be left behind. Wada collective identified themselves as young people and complimented each other through their various talents.
“In Africa the mode of survival has become individualistic but it’s a great thing that you people have collaborated to come up with this exciting exhibition that they are also putting on sale,” said Muusha.
Kudzaishe Nyamurowa, one of the artists who showcased his pieces narrated on his concept.
“Basically there are five elements which are spirit, air, water, fire and earth but unfortunately I could not showcase water because it was a bit sensitive sexually. Things originally came from spirit to air. From air came water and then from water came fire and then earth. The reason why I chose that concept was that people nowadays are now more into yoga. Whilst in my journey of tattooing, I have noticed that most people are now into symbols because they do communicate to all these elements,” said Nyamurowa.
The most expensive piece, which was tagged at US$ 1 500 was done by Simbarashe Chikunda.
National Museums and Monuments representative Lloyd Makonya praised the exhibition.
“The exhibition was brilliant especially coming from young people. There continues to be a drive towards the emancipation of African based art in this competitive age brought about by Western art. We are happy that there is a paradigm shift towards a more Afro-centric art and interest within African knowledge,” said Makonya.
