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 Arts Reporter

The new crop of visual artists is determined to change the narrative by using readily available material in their work. 

Part of the stuff, which is now popular with visual artists in putting together their collections, is recycled and discarded material. 

This was noted by Zimpapers Group Chief Executive, Pikirayi Deketeke, during the launch of a new exhibition currently underway at the National Art Gallery of Zimbabwe (NAGZ). 

Deketeke sits on the NAGZ board. 

Dubbed “A Gathering”, the exhibition attracted young artists who have managed to hone their skills under the supervision of their mentors. 

Tarisa Art Studio, Village Unhu, Post Studio Arts Collective and Animal Farm Artists’ Residencies are the four collectives presenting their pieces. 

In his address, Deketeke hailed fine artists who are now chatting a new way by using some of the discarded material. 

“Lack of material is no longer a hindrance to visual artists. This exhibition comes at a time when most artists are using recycled materials,” he said. 

Deketeke, who believes in innovation and synergies, hailed artists for coming up with collaborations. 

He noted the increase in the number of fine artists coming from high-density suburbs for showcasing work of superior quality. 

“Our artists are breaking barriers by using recycled material. The volume of work coming from other areas like Chitungwiza is amazing,” he said.

Fellow NAGZ member, Bryn Mteki said: “I would like to applaud all the artists taking part in this exhibition for their creativity and innovation. The most exciting part with the new crop of artists is that most are theme-based.

“This has made their work easier as they now focus on real subjects, unlike yesteryear artists with other ideas. For instance in music, some of the artistes claim new stuff appears in them in their dreams.” 

Mteki said it was high time artists uniquely tell their own stories. 

“At the moment, we want artists who can tell their stories through their collections,” he said. “Artists are now important in addressing serious issues like climate change and globalisation.” 

Several artists showcased their works from Chitungwiza, Msasa Park, and other parts of Harare. 

During the tour of the gallery, Chitungwiza-based artist Ngonidzashe Tsiga, who explores nature through his collections, was a hit with guests. 

Tsiga, who uses recycled material and cement to come up with his exhibition, believes artists should be appreciated for their efforts. 

“We go through a lot in our work in a bid to come up with some of these collections,” he said. “We use recycled materials in most of our collections and it’s not easy as most people don’t understand our concept.”