The Rural and Township art exhibition is on the cards this September at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe. The unconventional show opens on the 14th of September with works of township artists merged in one space. Rural and Township art is popularly known as roadside art and is a genre of art that emerged as a result of an increase in self taught but talented artists.

On show is a combination of fine art and crafts that seek to bridge the gap between the two art disciplines. The artworks portray creativity through form, subject and pattern but emphasizing more on the technical aspect by craftsman. Inspiration and simple societal interactions are key issues that shape the trend in which township art is based upon.

The trends are a reflection of the everyday situations that people face, mostly illustrated through the use of recycled found objects utilized to produce contemporary art. The concept behind this exhibition is to give exposure to self taught township artists whose creativity has been a distinction that has long existed in the public realm.

The viewers are expected to witness the artistic creations that earmark the distinction between formal and informal art education.

On show will be ceramics, wood sculptures, prints, paintings and mixed media works.

These art makers express themselves in diverse visual content exploring animals, environmental issues, social-economic and sustainable design. Margaret Majo‘s “As I see it” and “African Masks” are a expression of skill, talent and patience. Her skillfully drawn works are enclosed in wooden frames that display bottle caps designed in an assortment of facial expressions. Tendekai and Tafadzwa Tandi’s piece “Mandela” is a stone sculpture of Nelson Mandela holding the 2010 World Cup trophy with the Jabulani ball at his feet. Nelson Mandela is an epitome of South African freedom and its very unforgettable successes, hence it was an honour to the nation that he lived to see the day that the World Cup was played in the African country.

Rural and Township art exhibition brings to light the aesthetic values the diverse works portray. With execution of such an exhibition a new era can be borne for township artists, new things can be written about it, more exhibitions can be hosted and more creations can be hatched. Also on exhibition will be Kudakwashe Chuma’s painting entitled “Market Place”. His other work “Fuel Crisis” was selected and exhibited at the National Gallery’s flagship Live ‘n’ Direct exhibition. These artists have the potential to attain success as their experiences have taught them that art remains the most productive platform that addresses issues with imagination and creative potential.

made you grow like a plant of the field. You grew up and developed and became the most beautiful of jewels (Ezekiel 16:7, NIV).