Friends of the Gallery (F.O.G)

Friends of the Gallery monthly newsletter

October 2010

October exhibitions have come and gone but they were in a league of their own with the Basket Case and the Stanbic Bank shows taking place for the first time at the Harare Gallery.  Nonetheless, this November you can look forward to two exhibitions by Stephen Garan’anga and Admire Kamudzengerere. Stephen is an independent Art projects coordinator and chairs the African Colours Artists’ Association (AAA) as well as being an executive member of Batapata International Artists’ Workshop. He is also a visual arts writer with numerous publications and his exhibition titled Maonero Angu features mixed media works.

Admire Kamudzengerere follows up with an exhibition titled 5th column opening on the 18th of November. His exhibition refocuses on the importance of drawing as the first stage of creativity for an artist. He acknowledges that in the formation of his works his initial task is to draw what he intends to portray. On exhibition will be paintings, prints and sculptures. From his works he will also show emphasis on the fact that artists should not become desperate for materials but should improvise with other materials such as newspapers.

The National Gallery of Zimbabwe will be part of the Venice Biennale, one of the biggest visual arts festivals taking place in June 2011 in Italy. Zimbabwe will be taking part for the first time and artworks by local artists will be exhibited for the world to appreciate Zimbabwean talent. This event is just as big as the soccer World Cup and the National Gallery is proud to be part of one of the biggest arts festivals in the world.

In October the National Gallery held a high-status corporate sponsored exhibition after years of seeking partnerships from the business sector. The Stanbic Bank Art exhibition: Meeting Point sought to promote the visual arts in Zimbabwe through performing their social responsibility role. On the night of the opening three artists were awarded prizes for their outstanding works. Tafadzwa Gwetai from Bulawayo won 1st prize, second prize went to Virginia Chihota while third prize was awarded to Calvin Chimutuwa both from Harare.

Victor Nyakauru’s catalogue which compliments his exhibition Creatures is on sale for US$3 at the Harare Gallery Sales shop.