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One of Furawo’s paintings

Tawanda Matanhire Arts Reporter
In a visual arts field where most artists are struggling to sell their pieces due to the narrowing market, painter Benjamin Furawo is looking beyond the current challenges. Some artists are being forced to sell their pieces at give-away prices to make ends meet, but Furawo believes artists can stand their ground and conquer the world.

The Chitungwiza-based artist says he will continue working hard to penetrate in bigger international market and encouraged fellow artists not to lose hope.

Furawo was born in 1983 and grew up in Chitungwiza.

He paints primarily on acrylic, on canvas and has been interested in art since childhood.

He likes using bright colours to quickly catch the attention of people which has proved profitable because he now has a huge following in Zimbabwe and across the globe from people who appreciate canvas art paintings.

“I personally love colour because it brings life to my paintings and also makes them noticeable,” Furawo said.

He used to draw with different mediums like charcoal and pastels when he was still in high school but later channelled his focus on canvas painting after learning more about it in school.

He was offered a bursary at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe in 2001 where he sharpened his skills.

At the same time he took part in various exhibitions, workshops and art forums locally and internationally.

He has won the hearts of many with his unique emblem of the “Jongwe” character, which is his trademark painting.

He has sold more than 100 paintings centred on the character.

Furawo says events in society and his upbringing inspire most of his work.

Zimbabwe has a lot of talent in terms of art and the challenge many are facing is exposure because of the lack of resources and also the market is narrow with most artwork being sold to foreigners.

“Many artists end up compromising on the value of their work and sell them at way cheaper prices than the intended in a bid to fight for the narrow market, but I urge artists to put value into their works. People will take you seriously if you value your pieces.”

Furawo has continued to excel in the field of art and is working on opening his art gallery in his hometown as well as in South Africa with most of his finished art works awaiting gallery space.

“Potential clients call me from as far as Europe and I always deliver. I work with several galleries in South Africa and abroad who have demanded my art. Ever since I became professional I am happy because my dream to broaden my horizon is unfolding as each day passes,” said Furawo.