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Showbiz Reporter
YOUNG up-and-coming artists from the Midlands province under the mentorship of renowned visual artist Keith Zenda will today present a group exhibition called Peripheral Chronicles at the National Art Gallery of Zimbabwe (NGZ) Bulawayo.

The exhibition will be from 5.30pm to 7.30pm and will feature artwork by Clara Mahlangwai, David Carlsson, Divine Kumirai, Florah Maphosa, Kudakwashe Nhutsve, Luckson Munetsi, Milly Nhutsve, Munashe Kwaramba, Nomzamo Ndebele, Patrice Nyika, Samuel Sifelani, Zindoga Maisiri and Zenda, who are collectively known as Musasa Arts.

As part of his mentorship programme, Zenda recently announced that he was planning to open a dedicated arts space in Lower Gweru and Shurugwi for young artists in the Midlands.

Currently, Zenda is mentoring 30 artists at his Mkoba suburb house in Gweru that he is using as an art studio.
NGZ acting regional director Silenkosi Moyo said today’s exhibition is aimed at promoting artists from the Midlands as well as addressing social issues, which affect them and society in general. She went on to describe members of Musasa Arts as passionate people who use art to tell a story about their life journeys and issues society struggles with.

She said the exhibition presents a platform to introspect individually and stimulate public conversation about harmful social norms.

“The objectives of the exhibition fall within the broad themes of cultural, social and economic development, including the need to promote moral goodness, sound family, community and national values that will lead to combined efforts to champion development and promote civilised, progressive and developed rural communities,” said Moyo.

The acting director went on to appeal to lovers of visual art and members of the public to attend today’s exhibition and purchase the artwork, which generally addresses social issues that affect society in general such as gender-based violence, albinism and spirituality.

“The exhibition presents a creative and artistic perspective on these issues, which is a must-see,” Moyo said adding that the NGZ will continue with its provincial outreach programmes in areas under its geographic sphere, which include Matabeleland North and South, Masvingo and Midlands.

Any visual artist with original works, Moyo said can submit an application with samples of their artwork if they wish to exhibit at the NGZ in Bulawayo. She also said NGZ Bulawayo has education and public programmes on Fridays whereby the gallery is open to the public for free, with performances, open studios and exhibition tours.