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Women in Art

The beginning of the 21 st Century marked the era of the dominion for women regardless of age, ethnicity or race. Women have been emancipated from the oppressive stereotype and subordination by society, seizing full capacity to venture into any field of work that equals their abilities. Lazarus Takawira an accomplished stone sculptor in 2007 did a solo exhibition on women entitled "Women are stronger than Men."

His was a true appreciation of women and not only did his stones reflect his belief that women are emotionally and spiritually superior to men, they explored the embodiment of what it is to be an African woman. An African woman is an epitome of strength, power and value.A being who does not give up, endures any situation and strives for the best.A woman is the definition of beauty, selflessness, tenderness and love.

A lot of Zimbabwe women artists have contributed immensely in the visual arts industry through the likes of Colleen Madamombe, Portia Zvavahera, Mercy Moyo, Helen Lieros and Laura Macpherson.

These artists' works are an expression of the supremacy that is within women, the skills they possess to portray the activities of their own lives as women. Their works have an extraordinary presentation of the significance of women in society and sculptures by Colleen Madamombe bring the African female character into perspective, reflecting on the tasks performed by women especially in Africa.

The Celebrating Women exhibition held at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe in March 2008 put on display sculptures, drawings, paintings and photographs by contemporary Zimbabwean female artists. The exhibition mirrored women as resolute, powerful and hardworking.

Classical paintings and sculptures from the Gallery's Permanent Collection represented both the European and African traditions. African and European women have been ascribed the role of motherhood and taking care of the welfare of their families since time immemorial and these roles have been considered universal. This was an opportunity for artists to speak directly to the audiences on women and rewarding them for their contributions.

A new exhibition that aims at weaving the threads of women as artists was selected as a tool of motivation and setting standards for women. "Hibernation" was a pertinent show by a group of young contemporary female artists that seek to benefit the artist and women in art overtime. For instance, Portia Zvavahera, Mercy Moyo and Rosina's works investigate and converse on issues that deeply touch and involve women such as unwanted pregnancies, gossiping, polygamy and betrayal.

The arts have witnessed a new generation of women artists who have started to speak to different women in communities to encourage them to work hard and strengthen their position. Hibernation is a time of hiding away or taking cover but these artists are saying they are claiming their sexuality rather than leaving men to do it for them. A move set towards eradicating the notion that women are sexual objects for commercial purposes and this has been developed into business by some men and women. The element of sisterhood displayed by female artists pervades the conception of viewing women as subordinates and surpasses any judgment.


	Tribute to Colleen Madamombe Colleen Madamombe was a short woman of energy and girth who at her peak could out-carve any man in a traditionally male domain for that. Born in 1964 in Harare, Colleen trained at the BAT Workshop School under the National Gallery... more Celebrating Black History Month is a remembrance of important people and events in the history of the African diaspora. It is celebrated annually in the United States of America and Canada in February and in the United Kingdom in the month of October. In Zimbabwe we celebrate Black history at every opportunity given. more Mavambo NGZ Visual Arts Studio end of year exhibition The National Gallery of Zimbabwe and the Norwegian Embassy take pleasure in exhibiting yet again artworks by final year students from the National Gallery Visual Arts Studios entitled ‘Mavambo’. more


	Publications:
	ArtLife Magazine Since it's establishement NGZ has been released many art magazines, art books,art publications that cover insights onArtists, art products services, paintingsculpture as well as art event information and general art news... ;>>more


	Sculpture
	All the works conformed to the development of beautiful forms, anecdotal subject matter that was affectionate... >> more


	Painting
	The modern day artists draw their inspiration from the strong traditional beliefs and practices, modern day life, events and... >> more