Wenslus Murape
Trust Khosa
NATIONAL Gallery of Zimbabwe curator for education, Senzeni Tandani, reckons visual artists are not immune to gender-based violence (GBV).
She said their involvement in raising awareness against this new cancer should never be overlooked as they use their medium to address several issues.
Tandani made this revelation ahead of the one-day GBV symposium and expo at their Harare headquarters on December 6.
In an interview, Tandani said the expo was open to all visual artists who are willing to join the conversation by showcasing their artworks.
“We have invited some organisations to come and address the issue on December 6 at the National Gallery.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police, Musasa Project and Padare/Enkundleni Men’s Forum are some of the organisations exhibiting their stuff.
“Artists will also participate in this expo because they are also not immune to gender-based violence,” she said.
“Artists are known for their ability to speak out through their art collections.
“We expect them to come in numbers and join the conversation which we hope will change many lives.
“On that note, various organisations addressing guests and artists are also noble in this fight as we join hands to address the issue.”.
Tandani said this year’s edition was a bit special as it brings together artists and players fighting GBV under one roof.
“We have been holding similar events over the years but this year’s edition is unique in the sense that we are going to have a panel of experts address our guests.
“Artists and other guests will have a conversation with the experts in this area.
“On that note, we are not limiting the number of artists taking part in the expo because it’s an open forum,” she said.
The NGZ curator added that organisations willing to take part in the event were free to come on board.
Students at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe are also expected to take part in the event, which comes at a time when the world is fighting gender-based violence which has claimed many lives. Visual artists’ contributions to addressing national issues like GBV, poverty and national disasters remain unmatched.
The National Gallery of Zimbabwe has been churning out top names that have also been tackling relevant issues through their artworks.
Some of the biggest names that have represented Zimbabwe internationally comprise of Moffat Takadiwa, Gillian Rosselli, Victor Nyakauru, Sekai Machache, Troy Makaza and Kombo Chapfika, among others.
There is also a new crop of artists who have been doing wonders locally although they lack exposure.
December 6 is the perfect day for them to come and interact with others in the campaign against GBV.
Preparation-wise, the hosts insist it is all systems go for the one-day event set to attract hordes of creatives under one roof.
The event is part of the National Gallery of Zimbabwe’s effort to add their voices to the campaign which is marked globally.
An array of festivities to make the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence are marked throughout the world during this period of the year.
Influencers, activists and artists are some of the critical players who have contributed immensely to this fight.
Meanwhile, the National Gallery of Zimbabwe’s 2025 intake of new students has begun.
Online Reporter
