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. . . young artistes reflect on Independence

Raphael Chikukwa is the exhibition curator

Godwin Muzari Entertainment Editor
They were born after Independence and learnt of the liberation war through books and narrations, but they value the sacrifices made for the freedom they have enjoyed since birth.

They belong to the “born free” generation and they have come together in a visual art exhibition to express their feelings about their freedom as a generation.

About 35 artistes from Harare and Bulawayo are taking part in an exhibition titled “Born Free: A Whole Free Mind” at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe.

Through paintings, drawings, metal sculptures, stone sculptures and mixed media, the artistes who are all below the age of 35, have various interpretations of life in independent Zimbabwe and sketches of the pre-Independence era based on their history knowledge.

Outstanding in the exhibition is a mixed media illustration by Michael Hela titled “Legacy”. The piece shows two black arms clenching fists and joined on the elbow. They form a V-shape and a broken chain hangs from their common elbow.

“Legacy” is a symbol of the unity among black people that broke the chains of colonialism. The piece represents the power in the fist that won the liberation struggle and the strength of unity.

Through the piece, Hela expertly reflects on the struggles before and after Independence against colonialism and neo-colonialism respectively.

Mavis Tauzeni’s “Allegiance to the Flag: They Call us Born Free” is a representation of the young people’s determination to safeguard their independence.

The painting (acrylic on canvas) shows a young person with a fashionable jacket with a hood and a flag on his head and face.

The piece apparently makes a bold statement that the young person seriously upholds the country’s identity and values as reflected on the colours of our national flag.

Despite wearing a trendy outfit, the young person on the painting shows his “allegiance to the flag” as suggested by the title of the piece.

It is an allegiance to the national colours that remind the young generation about the blood that was shed in the fight for independence, the significance of majority rule and the importance of preserving peace as well as celebrating our natural resources.

It is the same about youths that Thomas Masangwale shows in his painting “Ghetto Yut” that shows a bright and colourfully dressed young man from a high-density suburb.

The piece is an embodiment of youthfulness in independent Zimbabwe. It is an embodiment of the “born-frees” and the good things that surround them. The education they enjoy without racial discrimination and the empowerment opportunities that they have been offered since Independence.

In the same vein another piece on exhibition that shows a child on a slide in a fun park emphasises on the social benefits of freedom.

It shows how children can now freely have fun in various parks without racial demarcations to restrict them to poor facilities. It is a sharp contrast of the common pre-independence picture of black children sliding on rocks and tearing their only shorts in the process and exposing their hinds.

Isaac Choloka’s sculpture “Lean on Me” reflects the support that people in the country give each other in times of need. It represents the spirit of unity that has kept the country going through thick and thin.

The exhibition is a general celebration of success and freedom that the born free generation has leant and experienced.

Curator of the exhibition Raphael Chikukwa said the exhibition is a reflection of young people’s beliefs.

“It is an opportunity for artistes to express their feelings about life in independent Zimbabwe. We decided to engage artistes that were born after Independence to have an insight into their thoughts and experiences as they grew up in a free country,” he said.

“Many young artistes have shown their expertise in working with various media. It has also been a measure of their expertise and potential in dealing with given themes. We sent invitations to artistes in Harare and Bulawayo and the response was amazing. It shows that young people are eager to express their feelings and experiences in the country.”

Other artistes exhibiting their different pieces include Keith Zenda, Zandile Masuku, Tinotenda Mabasa, Nompilo Nkomo, Terrence Musekiwa, Admire Kamudzengerere and Salanje Sky.

The exhibition opened yesterday and is expected to run until June 15.