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cultural representations of Zimbabwean art works produced in the year 2012 are on display.
This means  art aficionados can enjoy refreshing their memories of old master favourites like Arthur Azevedo, Marjorie Wallace and Helen Lieros well as being  stirred by the works of highly innovative mid-career artists  like Masimba Hwati, Alberto Wachi, Gareth Nyandoro, Portia Zvavahera, Kufa Makuwarara, Clive Makucha, Alberto Wachi, Virginia Chihota, Johnson Zuze, Anusa Solanje and Ensor Calico.

In the main showroom of the exhibition is an exquisite oil painting and fabric collage portraying the realism of the theme “Protecting Her Love”, by artist Kufa Makuwarara.

Here, the gifted artist subtly explores the seductive allure of a dreamy-eyed, ebony skinned femme-fatale in his stylized Super realism. His painted metaphor unfolds in a narrative of oil paint and strips of African fabric collage relaying the story of a woman who uses supernatural charms- a horned pumpkin, to seduce and control her absent lover. The painting which delves into the surreal exploration of this feminine psyche is a definitive collector’s item.

Contemporary clay ceramics by Marjorie Wallace, inspired by local ethnic basket ideograms, symbols and  subtle striated patterning in fine, understated pottery glazes, make for an informative indigenous range of some of the country’s best kiln fired ceramics which retain their African Zimbabwean inspired design provenance.

Mixed-media sculpture which attracted appreciative interest from the public are entitled “Bull” by Victor Nyakauru in raw serpentine stone and raw bone which makes a totemic and aesthetically pleasing trophy. In a similar technical vein, “Guitar”, an organic wood, horn and wire sculpture by Alberto Wachi  juxtaposes the human torso with a musical instrument.

The artist, who has been making some telling pieces of sculpture over the years. deserves to hold a one-man show of his mixed-media sculptural oeuvre.

Clive Mukucha’s series of female masks in Fauvist purples, yellows and greens applied in impasto are poignant critiques of the competitive fashion conscious urbanites of today.

The works are satirically entitled “Fashion Diplomats”. Portia Zvavahera’s oil on paper painting, “Bride”, is a neo-Afro expressionist work which parodies the bliss normally associated with the proverbial white wedding.

It is a fiery and heartfelt expression. Freddy Tauro’s bright-coloured oil on paper paintings of dwelling places; “Matapi Flats” and “A Flat in Ruwa” in Zimbabwe offer the audience his individualistic, loosely articulated, painterly style and a pretty idealistic vision of our peri-urban housing.

Veteran visual arts mentor Dr Helen Lieros exhibits small ink etchings of Greco-African iconography that bring a nostalgic pious tone to the exhibition. The works are technically and conceptually contemplative collectors’ items.

That Zimbabwean art has come of age is evident in the creative ways the selected artists often combine Afrocentric elements with industrial remnants, and Western  art materials, forms and techniques — to reflect the evolving identities  of the nation and the intricacies of its encounters with occidental cultures and ideologies.

A hybridised multi-culturalism has opened new arteries for a Zimbabwean contemporaneity in the visual arts. These hybridised visual forms created by the countries dynamic visual artists, reciprocally reflect the absorption of ideas and the adaptive processes taking place in the artists’ milieu.

Their use of available materials and found objects, allow them to remain productive as Zimbabwean artists, despite material shortages and the lack of indigenous patronage. Local artists by their very nature and volition have found it necessary to remain productive and creative even in trying times, and have boldly gone as far as competing on international art platforms.

Despite obvious differences in training, education and technical preferences, the selected Zimbabwean artists exhibiting here share a common belief in their independence of thought, ingenuity of expression and in their validity of their individual experience in our varied socio-cultural milieu.

The extensive variety of subject matter and range of improvised materials and techniques attest to the fact that Zimbabwean art and artists continue to evolve and develop aesthetically, despite the insular and unresponsive local audiences who should be investing more time and capital in visual arts created, curated and validated in Zimbabwe.

If there is any common, universal thread in this wide-ranging display of art, it lies in the deeply felt humanism which regards man and his affiliation to the world around him as arts primary concern. The art on display is in sum a representation of us today. Gallery Delta, situated on the periphery of Central Avenue and Seventh Street provides a relaxing natural ambience to savour this spiritually refreshing selection of home-grown Zimbabwean art.

The show also attests that Zimbabwe is experiencing a surge of creativity in graphic art, printmaking, painting and mixed-media, stone, metal and l’art trouve sculpture.

The exhibition provides a comprehensive selection of artistically, intellectually and historically satisfying works which crackle with tension and innovation  — illuminate our social discourse and stimulate contemplation.

The majority of works available in this show will make meaningful exquisite art investments and prized Christmas gifts. Happy Yuletide to all!

Dr Tony Monda holds a PhD in Post-Modern Art Theory and a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) in Post-Colonial Art and Heritage Studies. A Law and Art Diploma from Georgetown University, Washington DC, and worked with WALA (Washington Area Lawyers Association). He is also a practising artist, art critic, designer and corporate image consultant.