Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
The recently announced Artweb Power 100 Zimbabwe list of visual artists and creative hubs may spark debate, even though most names on the list exceeded expectations last year.
Visual art, which encompasses various mediums —including painting, photography, sculpture, drawing, installation, and digital arts —has grown popular in Zimbabwe.
In the past two decades, Zimbabwe has also proven to be a fertile ground for visual artists who have made a significant impact and captured the attention of the Artweb Power 100 Zimbabwe.
According to the report, the Artweb Power 100 Zimbabwe is an annual list that celebrates individuals and institutions shaping the Zimbabwean art landscape.
The selection also serves as an exploration of how art manifests in one space and imagines its resonance in others— a structural portrait of the connections and forces that bring art to life.
Most of the names and institutions selected have made a profound impression, indicating that the future of visual arts is in capable hands. The top 10 on the list includes Portia Zvavahera, Moffat Takadiwa, Troy Makaza, Virginia Chihota, Kudzanai Violet Hwami, the National Gallery of Zimbabwe, Mbare Art Space, artHARARE, Nhaka Gallery and Laura Ganda.
This selection truly reflects the remarkable work accomplished in 2024.
“This carefully curated selection goes beyond merely cataloguing success or visibility; it examines influence—how art and ideas spark movements, build communities, and define creative conversations.
“The Power 100 is a snapshot of the people, organisations, and moments that have made Zimbabwe’s contemporary art scene thrive over the past year. From the artists and collectives crafting evocative works to the curators, gallerists, and museum directors championing those creations, this list weaves a narrative of Zimbabwe’s artistic ecosystem.
“It recognises not only the funders enabling bold creative endeavours but also the thinkers, writers, and storytellers whose insights shape the dialogue around art,” states part of the report.
Most of the artists in the top 10 participated in the 60th International Exhibition of Biennale in Italy. That alone was enough to prove their worth.
The other visual artists who made it into the top 20 include Richard Mudariki, Gresham Tapiwa Nyahude, Helen Teede, Raphael Chikukwa, Gareth Nyandoro, Mostaff Muchawaya, Dan Halter, Wallen Mapondera, Terence Musekiwa, and Tafadzwa Tega.The influence of these ten creatives has grown beyond our borders as they continue to do a sterling job.
Their works have tackled the beauty, challenges, and complexities of life.
Other visual artists and institutions that made it into the Artweb Power 100 Zimbabwe include Misheck Masamvu, Fadzai Muchemwa, Kreshia Mukwazhi, Admire Kamudzengerere, Xanthe Somers, Ronald Muchatuta, Wycliff Mundopa, Tapfuma Gutsa, Tafadzwa Gwetai, Greg Shaw, Georgina Maxim, Tawanda Takura, Olly French, Valerie Kabov, Epheas Maposa, Nyasha Marovatsanga, Kenmore Maruta, Amanda Mushate, Anne-Zanele Mutema, Evans Tinashe Mutenga, Duncan Wylie, Tamary Kudita, Fungai Marima, Lin Barrie, Raymond Fuyana, Village Unhu Collective, Richard Witikani, Nyasha Jeche, Tanaka Mazivanhanga, Cosmas Shiridzinomwa, Lovemore Kambudzi, Tandazani Dhlakama, Kudakwashe Mangoma (Baskwa), Tinotenda Mushore, David Chinyama, Valerie Sibanda, Chenesai Mangoma, Mukudzei Muzondo, Mercy Moyo and Chiko Chazunguza, among others.
These influential creatives’ impact is hard to ignore as they continue to promote Zimbabwean art beyond our borders.
In short, the Artweb Power 100 Zimbabwe may be subject to debate in some quarters, but most of the artists mentioned on the list available online show how local art has been penetrating the globe.
With the 2025 season already underway, the future looks bright, with most institutions like the NGZ already leading the way through the enrolment of students.
Not only are they art collectors, but they are also educating the new crop of visual artists at their School of Visual Arts, whose 2025 semester is set to open on February 20.
daglous masveta
daniel chigunwe
