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President Mugabe

Tafadzwa zimoyo  Entertainment Reporter
CHITUNGWIZA-BASED visual artist, Lawrence Goho, has come up with a mixed media portrait titled “The 21st Movement Art History — Millennium Destiny Africa” in honour of the life, times and achievements of President Robert Mugabe.President Mugabe turned 91 on February 21 with celebrations to mark his birthday currently being held countrywide.

Goho (40) said the portrait — which can be mounted on an easel in three parts — was inspired by the historic achievements that President Mugabe scored as the AU and Sadc chairman.

“The inspiration behind this piece of art is from the President himself who has stood out as a shining example of great statesman. He is a Biblical, historical and revolutionary leader who has championed and safeguarded our God-given natural resources.

“This is what I am portraying through this work of art,” he said.

The portrait shows President Mugabe superimposed over the Zimbabwean map, clearly showing how he has the country at heart by guarding it jealously from imperial forces.

In the second part, the Great Zimbabwe is behind him, and this is an expression of pride in national monuments, while the third section tells the story of Sadc, how agriculture is the bedrock of food security as well as the importance of empowering Africans.

Goho said his vision as an artist was to work with other visual artists to come up with a 1,5 metre tall sculpture of the President which he says should be placed at Africa Unity Square.

“Africa Unity Square is symbolic in many ways in the history of this country. The sculpture should be placed in the square in honour of President Mugabe,” he said.

Goho — who is a multi-talented artist, has taken part in numerous art, tourism and business exhibitions.

These include the “Live and Direct” exhibition held at the National Art Gallery in commemoration of Africa Day in 2010.

He also came up with a poster-story pushing for Zimbabwe to host the United Nations World Tourism Organisation conference.

He has also exhibited and researched for various ministries.

Born on April 24, 1975 in Chinhoyi, Goho started his professional art career in 2010 and became an advisor to the Youth in Tourism in Mashonaland West under the leadership of Stewart Mutiza.