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Hermit Muyambo puts final touches on Joram Mariga’s portrait

Tafadzwa Zimoyo : Arts Reporter

Preparations for prolific visual artiste Hermit Muyambo’s solo exhibition to be held in Mutare this Friday at National Art Gallery are at advanced stage. The exhibition has been dubbed “Maonero” – a Shona word used to describe unity when seeing things together. The exhibition running under the theme, “Exploring the Icon Perspective” will celebrate and honour artists in all genres.In an interview Muyambo said everything was now in place and dedicated the event to both living and late artists in the arts sector.

“The exhibition aims to celebrate the great minds of these icons contributed to our arts industry.

“These icons are from different art genres such as sculpture, photography, painting, music, film and fashion among others. Art is life hence we should not only make money through it but appreciate it,” he said.

Muyambo said Manicaland Publicity Association director Fadzai Mugwagwa will grace the event

“Apart from paying tribute to these great legends, the exhibition will also inspire and encourage the upcoming artists.

“It will communicate the feelings and emotions of these icons through portraiture,” he said.

Muyambo also did a portrait of President Mugabe which will be handed over at a date to be announced soon.

“It would be myopic painting and talking about great legends without mentioning His Excellency Cde RG Mugabe.

“I have done his portrait and surprisingly this time he is not being viewed as a politician but as an artist.

“People talk about his political career but we do not get to hear of his great oratory skills which are unmatched. The painting will be unveiled and we are planning for a ceremony to hand it over,” he said.

Muyambo said societal settings, inspired his artworks.

“I am inspired by a lot of Zimbabwean artist, mostly those who have made an impact in the society. My role model is my father Wilbert Mwaingeni Muyambo.

“He was a fine artist in his own right, a builder and an architectural designer,” he said.

Asked if the paintings will be on sale, he said some of them will be display while others would be sold and the remuneration will go to charity.