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Valerie Mpundu

Youth Interactive Writer

Four University of Zimbabwe students, Mufaro Katsande, Paul Mushango, Samantha Ncube, and Chipo Chekai are set to host an art exhibition at the university’s Art Department next month.

The exhibition, which will run from June 10-13, is being held in line with Education 5.0 and is centred on heritage-based philosophy, shaping future technology through innovation and industrialisation. 

According to the trio, they revealed that it was about utilising the environment in teaching and learning. 

The exhibition will focus on the importance of making technology simple and understandable while expressing concepts in any language. 

In an interview with the quartet, they gave their own experiences in art thus far distinguishing the uniqueness of their works aligned with innovation and creativity. 

Mufaro Katsande, a specialist in fine arts born in Harare and  who grew up in Bulawayo, said she did her teaching training at United College of Education and chose Art and Design as her area of specialty. 

“I have always had a profound interest in art from a tender age and never thought twice when I was given a chance to choose an area of specialisation,” she said. 

“I am inspired by the struggles I have faced as a woman, wife and mother. 

There is a negative perception towards arts, hence it is regarded as an insignificant subject in most schools.”

“In accordance to Education 5.0, this has really brought out the best in some capability I never knew I possessed.”

A holder of a Bachelor of Science (Honours) Degree in Fine Art, Master of Arts in Digital Humanities, Post Graduate Diploma in Education and inches closer to obtaining Master of Education Art and Design Education, Paul Mushango, said: “I am into abstract type of art. 

“ This type of art does not represent an accurate depiction of visual reality communicating,  and instead uses lines, shapes, colours and form.” 

“Artists use a variety of techniques to create their works using more experimental ideas. l transform garbage into artworks,” he said. “I use plastics and dirty clothes as these are cheap materials. This also aides in cleaning the environment.”

Samantha Ncube whose art reflects curiosity and passion for exploring the world around her, says she is constantly evolving and experimenting with new mediums and techniques. 

“I find inspiration in the beauty of women’s anatomy, complexity of their emotions and intricacies of the human experience. l aim to inspire, provoke thoughts and spark imaginations pushing boundaries,” explained Samantha.

“Exhibiting artworks offers a platform for artists to share their creative expression, connect with others and contribute to the cultural landscape ultimately enriching both the artist and the community.”

Chipo Chekai who is studying for her Master of Education in Art Design, described her art as more on embracing change and feminism. 

“I focus more on feminism and embracing change. For so long art has been a male dominated field, as a woman I want to change the trajectory and focus on some of the hardships we face as working mothers.” 

“Everybody has a story to tell and what better way to speak than with a picture for it tells a thousand words,” Chekai said. 

Heritage-based philosophy of higher education encompasses five fundamental components including industrialisation, research, teaching and learning, community service and innovation. 

Prompting tertiary education to implement such a practice as technology keeps improving each day. 

Most tertiary institutions have embarked on education 5.0.