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One of Jamu’s artwork

Tawanda Matanhire : Arts Correspondent

Visual artist Raphael Jamu is currently in New York exhibiting his four pieces on African lifestyle art alongside participants from eight countries from Europe and the US. The exhibition which opened last on Wednesday is an all encompassing affair as visual artists are showcasing different visual art works. Jamu said it was an opportunity to showcase what Zimbabwe has in terms of cultural heritage.“This is another opportunity on our doorstep to showcase that Zimbabwe and Africa is rich in culture portraying the different art forms,” Jamu said.

“It is with pride that I will be showcasing four of my perfected African paintings which will show why we as a people are united by our beliefs and way of living.

Jamu who scooped awards in several art competitions last year and beyond has been invited to take part in arts competitions across Europe this year.

The four paintings that will be on exhibition have also been selected to represent Africa in July at Hollywood Art Centre in the US at the winter International Inspirational competition where he will be competing against 125 artists.

In August he will leave the country to hand over “The Kofi Annan” portrait to The Kofi Annan Foundation as a gesture of sealing friendship between his Hillock Arts Foundation and Martin Linhares Galleries.

He will travel with Kundi Mharadze who is also a visual artist from Mutare.

Jamu has over the years lifted the Zimbabwean flag high participating alongside esteemed profiled arts exhibitions globally.

He has also been involved in local arts exhibitions and has helped upcoming artists to grow which is an initiative he vowed to continue throughout his lifetime.

He founded the Hillock Arts Foundation which is based in Chinhoyi and currently houses close to 200 upcoming artists in different disciplines.