By Justice Zhou.
Cape Town. (News Of The South) – A group of upcoming Zimbabwean artists aim to promote their work and exchange ideas at a week-long fair held in South Africa.
The artists, from Harare-based First Floor Gallery, rubbed shoulders with renowned international exhibitors at the Cape Town Art Fair, from 26 February to 1March 2015.
It was the first time that the gallery showcased pieces by its promising young talent at the fair, marketing director Marcus Gora has said.
“We’re proud to be working with tremendously talented emerging artists,” Gora said in an interview with News of the South.
“They are becoming recognised internationally. Both the artists and the gallery work very hard and our efforts are achieving results.”
Those featured include Moffat Takadiwa, Richard Butler Bowdon, Gresham Tapiwa Nyaude, Wycliffe Mundopa and Terrence Musekiwa.
Formed in 2009, the gallery wanted to groom budding artists in Harare while offering them educational and resources support.
Gora added: “From creating exchange opportunities to taking part in art fairs and developing partnerships with international galleries, we sought to create their visibility beyond Zimbabwe.”
Asked how the Zimbabwean art industry fared when compared with its peers in Africa, he suggested the country still lacked a collector’s base for local contemporary art.
Neighbouring South Africa boasted a well-developed market and education and resources infrastructure art on the continent.
Angolan and Nigerian markets were robust, but both countries had educational and resources challenges, he said.
“Each country has to deal with its own situation. Zimbabwe needs more galleries and ensuring young artists have spaces to develop their work.”
Meanwhile, South Africa’s Goodman Gallery presented works by Zimbaweans Kudzanai Chiurai and Gerald Machona among its pool of top talent.
Famed and award-winning Chiurai, now based in South Africa, is best-known for his sometimes provocative pieces.
He fled the country in 2008 fearing reprisal after some of his paintings, which appeared to criticise President Robert Mugabe’s leadership style, angered Zimbabwean authorities.
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