Responding to the BAA statement on the 7th Roil awards 2023

The announcement of arts awards often stirs a mix of reactions, with individuals voicing both praise and criticism. Recently, the Bulawayo Arts Awards (BAA) statement for its 7th edition sparked informal debates, particularly regarding the absence of nominees in the visual arts category. As a visual artist and art administrator, I embarked on a journey to understand why visual artists are not participating in this annual event. The BAA aims to recognize and honor exceptional individuals and collaborative artistic efforts in Bulawayo and the surrounding regions. However, the lack of participation from visual artists raised questions about the nomination process and the categories offered. Various reasons contribute to artists' decisions to participate or abstain from awards ceremonies. The BAA, while well-intentioned, may benefit from reevaluating its methods of recognition, especially concerning the visual arts category. Unlike other art forms, visual arts encompass a wide array of disciplines, each deserving individual recognition. The process of organizing awards prompts important questions about regulation, eligibility criteria, and the role of organizing bodies such as the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) and local artist associations. Clarifying these aspects ensures fairness and transparency in the selection process. Winning an award holds significance beyond mere accolades. It validates artists' dedication and can serve as a catalyst for personal and professional growth. Moreover, awards foster a sense of pride within the artistic community and inspire future generations to pursue artistic endeavors. Businesses partnering with awards organizers not only support the arts but also gain exposure and networking opportunities. The synergy between art and commerce can create mutually beneficial relationships and elevate the local artistic scene. In light of these considerations, the BAA should strive for clarity in its nomination and judging processes. Transparent communication fosters trust and encourages broader participation from the artistic community. Additionally, the awards ceremony should serve as a platform for networking and collaboration, nurturing a vibrant arts ecosystem in Bulawayo. As an independent curator and art critic, I offer these insights based on personal analysis and interviews. It is my hope that constructive dialogue will lead to enhancements in the BAA and foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for visual artists in Bulawayo

Ish "The Artist" Marimirofa returns to Bulawayo

Ish Marimirofa is an upcycling artist and craft producer who lives and works in Harare Zimbabwe. Known for his miniature/ assemblage sculptures, that are responding to topical issues affecting Zimbabweans on a daily bases, the versatile artist is showing his mixed media collection of art and crafts. Ish has this lovely technique of using wire as a line on a painted surface and the finish is unique because of its 2D with rich texture, his use of wire extends to sculptures combined with various materials like wood glass and plastic. Ish Returns to Bulawayo to showcase Once-Upon-A-Time: A Nostalgic Feeling an exhibition pushing new narratives and imagining upcycling and assemblage work as futuristic, anthropomorphic miniature forms of art made from wood, wire and plastics. In October 2022, Ish took a bold step in his practice by participating in the Hlanganani/ Sanganai Expo at the Zimbabwe International Trade fair and he walked away with an award affirming his practice in the big stages of Zimbabwean markets. In 2023, Ish "The Artist" is presenting a solo exhibition, and launching his professional career as one of the artists making use of discarded material into aesthetic works of art by repurposing and extending the life of materials creating worthwhile, which will be cared for and admired by many. The exhibition is an ongoing series or works under the Once Upon A Time theme and his understanding of Martials, and a great degree of skill and imagination makes him one of the assemblage artists to lookout for in this country. His Harare home studio/ gallery is a great starting point to understand his thought process which amplifies the Climate Change discourse with an interesting and careful depiction of political social issues in the country.

IMG: Investing into eternity- found objects Art has the power to inspire action. I’m glad to see Environmental Management Agency (EMA) and other business establishments supporting this exhibition which is taking us to a place and time we once was and at the same time damaging action to the issues to do with the environment highlight the problem and open conversations to bring about change. His work is intricate with many artworks pieces assembled to create unique pieces. Ish began exploring art while he was in formal employment with a big retailer in the country, and developed a passion for up-cycling experimenting with various materials with incredible skill that has turned discarded everyday metal items into the most breath-taking sculptures of, people, musical instruments and more. I particularly love his work titled “Investing into eternity”, and “I second the motion” which focused topical political issues that are current in Zimbabwe. Ish says “The last few years have taught me that when it is our time to leave this world no one can stop it. We have one life to live. The material things we invest in are left behind only to be discarded. Memories are important to me. Follow his work on https://www.instagram.com/once_upon_a_time_ish/ Marimirofa’s work is like a sing along song, colourful and eye-catching one can relate to each artwork, hence the exhibition title. A Nostalgic Feeling. the exhibition is showing at the 22 September to 22 October 2023. Cliford Zulu is an independent Curator who works in Bulawayo

The city has a role to play in building an art scene in Bulawayo: A call to Action

In the contemporary landscape of urban living, art has transcended mere aesthetics to become an integral part of communal expression and identity. However, in cities like Bulawayo, the lack of support for artists threatens to stifle creativity and cultural vitality. Art serves as a conduit for connection, allowing diverse communities to engage with one another and navigate complex social issues. Yet, despite its historical significance, the role of art in shaping Bulawayo's future remains uncertain. Over the past two decades, the neglect of cultural spaces and the absence of initiatives to promote public art have left once-thriving centers in disrepair. While there are signs of progress, such as renovations at Bulawayo Home Industries and Stanley Hall, questions persist regarding sustainability and relevance. The establishment of an office for Art, Culture, and Heritage administration is a positive step, but a dedicated department is needed to fully support Bulawayo's artistic community. Art not only enriches the cultural fabric of a city but also stimulates economic growth. By creating platforms and fostering an environment conducive to artistic expression, Bulawayo can attract visitors and bolster local businesses. Furthermore, art serves as a universal language, bridging divides and preserving collective memory. However, artists from marginalized communities face barriers to civic participation, hindering their representation on national and international stages. Incorporating artists into civic engagement processes can promote inclusivity and provide a platform for marginalized voices. By recognizing the transformative power of art, Bulawayo can nurture a thriving cultural scene that reflects the city's heritage and values. It is imperative for the city and its residents to recognize the importance of supporting artists and cultural spaces. Only through concerted efforts can Bulawayo fulfill its potential as a vibrant hub of creativity and expression.

Bulawayo emerging artist: Langelihle Buhle

In April, I had a chance to chat to another young creative in Bulawayo who is pushing boundaries with her latest project. Langelihle Buhle is multidisciplinary artist who works and lives in Bulawayo, a proud emerging female artist from Nketa “elokishini”. She is a fashion designer, author, and with regards to her Visual arts practice, she started drawing at the age of six by copying her friend who introduced and encouraged her to draw until she developed love for drawing on her own with little mentorship. At the age of 14, she explored various materials by working with veteran printmaker Dumisani Ndlovu a resident artist at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe In Bulawayo, who introduced her to painting and mentored her for a while. Having been told how confused of an artist she was by doing multiple art practices and not being able to abandon any of them, she needed to find a way to make it work by linking her visual art and other art genres. Eventually, she found comfort and strength working on fabric as a material inspiring and enriching her practice. She has been using acrylics over the years and she is now experimenting with different styles and techniques like oils. Buhle uses a wide range of fabric materials to make outfits, however including Ankara, animal skin, mainly fabric that is hard and does not easily absorb liquid. She gets inspiration from the sun which is a representative of her name Langelihle (Beautiful sun) the different shades of the sun help bring out the light and warmth in her work. On 26 April 2023, Langelihle Bhule an architect by profession launched a project called "Ignite the Light in you", a creative journey that included the launch of her new book, "A Resolute Dynamite", her latest paintings, and a fashion show. She mesmerised a well-attended event supported by the Alliance Francaises of Bulawayo. She finds happiness in gifting her artworks to various people that support her work. She is a curious lady who invests in seeking knowledge and learning new things and growing into them. Very much addicted to multi-tasking I look forward to discovering the inner talent in her work. Cliford Zulu is an independent Curator working in Bulawayo

Bulawayo Arts Awards 2021 - Bekumnandi

It was clear that that the Bulawayo Arts Awards (BAA) were determined to push ahead and worked around hosting the 5th Bulawayo Arts Awards ceremony in the middle of a pandemic and the economic challenges that the city of Bulawayo continues to experience. By staging a multi-level awards ceremony, sponsored by United Refineries using its Roil brand. Guests came through in support of the 2021 edition. Arriving at the large city hall the traditional venue of the awards, it was another usual Saturday evening in Bulawayo as people went about their business.

With very little public performances in 2020 and 2021, it was mind-boggling to me how the decision to host the awards was arrived at. Could this have been a business decision or a Bulawayo creatives decision?   How “Bulawayo” are the Bulawayo Arts Awards for who by who?

Entry to the venue was simple and easy, the red carpet event hosted by Red Carpet team of Farie Jules Calvin Madula and Spanchie Omnyama mirrored an opulent time and space, as Bulawayo people dressed by local designers and self-styled guest, nominees, and sponsors posed for photos and interviews. So why “red” and who is supposed to walk on the "red carpet" could this be the best time our weavers start designing our Bulawayo carpet? 

The sitting arrangement was relaxed enabling interaction with sponsors, partners, paying guests and nominees. It was a good networking space across the creative sector in Zimbabwe and beyond the borders. Our city fathers enjoyed the event high up from the comfort of the interior balcony. It is a commendable and well-deserved gesture from the City of Bulawayo to avail the Large City Hall for this event. The poor lightning at the back of the hall and the dark parquet floors and a flooded men’s toilet signaled that it’s time to look into a contemporary space.

     

The main stage host Q. Dube, together with Charmaine Mudau kept the event flowing smoothly capturing the attention of the guests, and coordinating well with back stage. The choice jokes from the comedian could have been well thought, especially for an all-inclusive event like the BAA, kodwa they were both on point. I had a bit of a challenge with names of the great performers. 

The technical team managing audio visuals and sound were equally on point with a well sychronised script with the performances and award presenters. It’s time that our talented graphic designers develop home grown visuals to compliment events of this nature, I suppose it’s a question of quotations not matching the budget. For an indoor event the combinations of Lekos, PAR and Intelligent Lighting could be toned down since it was a multi-performance event, however the lights were professionally controlled sharp and crisp. 

We were informed that the 2021 event was organized in 3 parts allowing the organisers to compress the whole presentation and conform to the COVID-19 curfew, seeing uniformed low enforcement agents on stage in the previous edition was disturbing and crushing for everyone. The downside for me on the 3 part event was balancing the prominence of the nominees. Managing practitioners in that manner may have serious consequences to the future.

A well-presented live performance and encompassing new talent on stage was beautifully choreographed and the live band was amazing. Certainly, Bulawayo has talent but lacked originality that Bulawayo touch, perhaps a challenge to content creators. Surely, we can’t be reminiscing on the music of Lovemore Majaivana, Ilanga, Dorothy Masuku we need new legends. I must say Skhosana is the new “Bulawayo” dude, I have not had a chance to listen to his music but from what I read from Zenzele Ndebele’s FB page, and yesterday’s performance of Intethe song, I am keen to read more about him. So ngubani uSkhosana?

The actual presentation of awards was marvelous and energetic the list of nominees and eventual winners will take another review. There is so much happening in Bulawayo in terms of the Arts, Culture and Heritage. My understanding of ama awards   is that it’s a ceremony like BAA should make creative people feel that their work is valued. Like, some kind of approval and validation for a good job, and it makes people aware that good work can be rewarded. I think that recognition motivates people to support talent, what I witnessed is that the "people" were missing even though the event was streamed live. Bulawayo artists seem to be very supportive of each others acts, so much that they make up 60% of nonpaying audiences. We may need to find other ways of presenting our productions. I have noticed recently that street performances in Bulawayo generate a lot of street audiences and they do offer cash on the go. Now, how do we move forward in building up on these new audiences? 

Any way here is a full list of Roil Bulawayo Arts Awards 2021 Winners 

Outstanding Song of the Year: ‘For Me’ – DJ Zandimaz

Newcomer of the Year (All Genres) : Sandra Sibanda

Outstanding Male Artist of the Year : Msizkay

Outstanding Female Artist of the Year : Vuyo Brown

Outstanding Hip Hop Artist/Act : Awa

Outstanding Kwaito/House/Gqom Act : Mawiza

Outstanding Alternative Music : Thandy Dlana

Outstanding Gospel Artist/Act : Mai Mwamuka

Outstanding Imbube/Acapella Group/Act : Focus Accapella

Outstanding Tshibilika/Rhumba Act : Insimbi Zezhwane

Outstanding Music Producer : Nashville 

Outstanding Music Video : ‘Induku Enhle’ – X Mile

Outstanding Radio DJ : Nomalanga Nyathi – ZIFM

Outstanding Club DJ : DJ Mzoe

Outstanding Dance Ensemble : Geek Twins

Outstanding Female Dancer : Dorcas Ngwenya

Outstanding Male Dancer : Hebson Ncube

Outstanding Arts Journalist : Mthabisi Tshuma – The Chronicle

Outstanding Arts Photographer : Sadee LensWorks

Outstanding Online Media : Ekasi Magazine

Outstanding Theatre Actress : Musawenkosi Sibanda

Outstanding Theatre Actor : Cadrick Msongelwa

Outstanding Theatre Production : Bhalagwe Is Burning by Victory Siyanqoba

Outstanding Comedian : Zwe Hlabangana

Outstanding Poet : Desire Moyo

Outstanding Literary Work – Fiction : All Come To Dust by Bryony Rheam

Outstanding Literary Work – Non-Fiction : Our Food, Our Heritage, Our Culture by Makhosi Mahlangu

Outstanding Ndebele Literary Work : Ngubani Owabulalala uDube by Mihla Sitsha

Outstanding Fashion Designer/House : A Tribe Called Zimbabwe

Outstanding Model : Ben Chest

Outstanding Ambassador (worldwide) : Vusa Mkhaya

Outstanding TV Production/Programme : Mjolo FM – Byo Memes

Outstanding Short Film : Figure It Out – Nkosilesisa Ncube

Outstanding Film/TV Actress : Lee Mchoney – Wadiwa Wepamoyo

 Outstanding Film/TV Actor : Leroy Mthulisi Ndlovu – Figure it Out

Life Achievement Award : Ebba Chitambo

People's Choice Award : Mai Mwamuka

Source BAA FB page #RoilBAA21

Until the awards statement are redefined, it is my personal view that they are not inclusive, multi-disciplinary arts awards that recognise and honour exceptional individuals and collaborative artistic efforts in the city of Bulawayo. However they are the best awards organized in the southern part of the country to date, stimulating conversations about the arts in Bulawayo. To get there, it will take everyone to come to the table.

For me it was good to be out again, and I am looking forward to reviewing, documenting and archiving Arts and Cultural events. Please note that I am writing in my personal capacity with a visual arts background (feel free to edit the text), people love that.

Cliford Zulu

Independent Curator

7 November 2021

Reloaded and Moving on

 Dear friend

2020 was a challenging year for me, and most of the people in the Culture and Creative Industry better known as the CCIs. The economy of Zimbabwe has not enabled artists to prosper due to the economic and political situation that has dampened the viability of the tourism industry in the country that CCIs. 

As I was finding alternative ways of surviving, both as an employed person by the National Gallery of Zimbabwe and as an artist, COVID-19 kind of revived new hopes of reaching clients to see and consume my work. Imagine the only source of income is your artwork the only source of income and there are no buyers for your artwork. Digital platforms have become the new spaces for marketing and reaching more clients. Like many artists in Bulawayo, I was trained to respond to the tourist markets and when that market disappeared in the early 2000s many of my peers moved out of the country and some completely stopped practicing. I was "fortunate" to be asked to join the Friends of the National Gallery of Zimbabwe in Bulawayo in 2006 to run the Visual Arts Development and Outreach Program supported by the HIVOS.

Digital platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram reconnected me with the world and rejuvenated the artist in me. As I continue to learn and establish myself in this creative and studio space, so much is happening and I am pleased to share with you that I have decided to set up two projects that will better characterize my practice.

In the past 5 years, I have been developing my creative practice to complement my finances an Institutional Curator is a job that I have fallen in love with until I was fired in June 2021. Centre for Contemporary Arts Bulawayo CCAB, is one project that will carry the Curatorial and arts administration work. Zulunlimitedart is the other personal studio project that I am reviving and loving, to showcase my work as a sculptor, carver, and scrimshaw artist.

I will be sharing how these two projects are developing here but you can also like my pages on Facebook.

Lets keep in touch.

 

Echoing Silences by Andreas Wutz

Zimbabwe as a metaphor

Echoing Silences is an interdisciplinary art and exhibition project on the history of violence using the example of the Zimbabwean Liberation War and its traumatic aftermath on a postcolonial African society. The project examines and mirrors this history of violence, such as the Crocodile Gang guerrilla attack, through image and text materials from the fields of botany, geology, paleontology, and archeology of everyday private objects. The exhibition includes photographs and texts, film and video projections, a library, a film program and introductory artist talk with Cliford Zulu, the curator of the National Gallery of Zimbabwe, who has been a guest at the Ebenböckhaus in Munich for a month.

Artist Andreas Wutz, working between Munich and Bilbao.

Moving on

It has been a while since I shared, a lot has happened and I will be breaking that down in a series of posts that will update my status and plans for the future in and around my life and practice. let's catch up on https://zw.linkedin.com/in/cliford-zulu-aa355921 or  follow me on Twitter https://twitter.com/ 

تحية من مراكش

Moving on, i am in Morocco participating the International Curatorial Intensive Marrakech 17 - 26 May, 2015.

The Curatorial Intensive is a rigorous schedule of seminars, conversations, and presentations that support the process of developing an idea for an exhibition or program into a full proposal. I am here with Jeff Ajueshi, Robyn-Leigh Cedras, Wafa Gabsi, Inês Grosso, Salma Lahlou, Fatima-Zahra Lakrissa, Rosa Lleó, Kwasi Ohene-Ayeh, Evelyn Owen, Ilhan Ozan, Shahana Rajani and Ipek Ulusoy  a group of exciting emerging curators from around the world we are exchanging ideas, and developing  curatorial projects in the local context and artistic production.

We will be doing site visits, had individual meetings, roundtable discussions be led so far (21 May) by, Omar Berrada co-directors of Dar al-Ma’mûn the host of the ICI Marrakech, María del Carmen Carrión Director of Public Programs & Research at ICI, Renaud Proch (Executive Director, ICI) and we are expecting Hassan Darsi and Florence Renault-Darsi (artist and curator respectively, Founders of La source du lion, Casablanca), Mohamed Rachdi (curator and art critic, Casablanca), Shuddhabrata Sengupta (artist and writer, New Delhi), and Bisi Silva (Founder/Director, Centre for Contemporary Art, Lagos), among others. this was an introduction i will keep you updated as the projects develop you can see the photos on http://curatorsintl.org/posts/photos-from-the-curatorial-intensive-in-marrakech

Crossing the Bridge exhibition

Introducing my second second project in Harare  “Crossing the bridge” is a tale of two cities bringing together the works of Israel Israel a Bulawayo Sculptor and Forbes Mushipe  mixed media artist from Gweru, in an exhibition about the near and the far, quantum and universal patterns, insight and out of sight, and crossover sensibilities. Connecting the inner and outer eye, the two illustrious artists use metaphor and transformation to see beyond the known. Israel is presenting the concept of jackets in its contemporary denotation while Forbes Mushipe pushes the spiritual journey through the African tales within the social, religious and cultural context. Both artists seek to probe the world around them and as means to describe their work using abstraction and intuition, by conveying individual ideas and emotions.

The exhibition open on Thursday 8 October 2014 at 17:30hrs at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe. Using metal wood and bone, the artwork faces the challenge of visualizing movement and energy through static forms:  although the artworks are not literally dynamic, in suggesting motion change, and instilling an imagined wonder in the viewer. The process of mixing material and layering stimulates Mushipes’s works, which reflects his on-going fascination with spiritual energy, patterns and shapes. Rather than expressing micro-scaled behavior of the realm of humankind, Israel focuses equally on mysterious and invisible habits of humanity.

In this collaboration the artists are exploring subjects that are affecting Zimbabweans locally and beyond our borders.  The exhibition builds up through their work experimenting and joining various segments of varying widths and metals, and occasionally incorporates found objects and recycled metal sheeting, finding the entire process so liberating and contemporary.

 Finding grace in the everyday, Forbes and Israel are “back in business” and the exhibition will run in Bulawayo until the end of August and then move to the National Gallery of Zimbabwe in Harare in September to explore dialogue with other spaces. And as we join their exhilarating search for truth and meaning, we observe the beauty of metal wood and bone and experience moments of coming together and splitting up in a vast chain of being. The official opening was done in Bulawayo by professor Brian Jones in August. 

Cliford Zulu,

Curator

http://www.dailynews.co.zw/articles/2014/08/13/mushipe-israel-hold-joint-exhibition

http://www.herald.co.zw/crossing-the-bridge-exhibition-opens/

http://www.panorama.co.zw/index.php/archives/117-visual-arts/770-two-artists-cross-the-bridge

ASIKO 2014 international art programme under the title A History of Contemporary Art in Senegal in 5 Weeks as part of the OFF at the 11th Dakar Biennale.

Its May 2014, i find myself back in Dakar for a five week CCA Lagos intensive Global Critic Clinic that has become an integral component of the ASIKO initiative. The clinic Begun in 2012 in response to an urgent need for more curators on the continent, I am looking forward to develop my research methodologies, sharpen my proposal development as well as develop critical writing skills, engage closely with artists from across the continent as well as with experienced professionals from around the world. 

I look forward to interacting and learning from distinguished visiting faculty of artists, curators and academics including: Joseph Adande (BN), Jonathas de Andrade (BR), Lisa Aronson (US), Rashida Bumbray (US), Eddie Chambers (UK), Mimi Cherono Ng’ok (KN), Modibo Diawara(SN), Viye Diba (SN), Baba Diop (SN), N’Gone Fall (SN), Dominique Fontaine (CAN), Tamar Garb (SA/UK), Koyo Kouoh (CM), Simone Leigh(US), Nana Offoriata-Ayim (GH), Moyo Okediji (NG), Emeka Ogboh (NG), Olu Oguibe (US/NG), Wangechi Mutu (KN), Rosana Paulino (BR), Aura Seikkula (FIN), Mady Sima and Amadou Kane Sy (SN). But above all visit the main Dark Art biennale exhibition, sadly no Zimbabwean this time.. and other Dark Art OFF programs doted around Dakar and between ASIKO assignment reading and writing.

I will be sharing my Personal experiences in ASIKO international art programme under the title  A History of Contemporary Art in Senegal,  as part of the OFF at the  11th Dakar Biennale.  and pay much attention to what facilitators bring on to the table. Some of the visiting artists and curators i have only interacted with them on social media platforms so it promises to be a huge ling between my Job description and what is on the ground. I made this decision to apply because i was running out of ideas at the NGB. Huge challenges with artists responding to exhibitions workshops and conversations Up to date i question my self is it me or it’s the way things are. I have found and shared common stories with my colleagues here and the challenge in Zimbabwe is a challenge in Bamako, Nairobi Kampala, etc

Keep close for weekly updates 

Week one of ASIKO 

Great working week so far presentations with Rosana still going on well, pick of the week though was the visiting artists beginning with Emeka Ogbor Nigerian sound artist doing some fascinating work capturing the moment and sound at the same time. Archiving such works like sound and images image they took center stage, after Q&A, i am glad that Emeka came through to share his work with the team.

www.14thmay.com/about.html

Wangechi Mutu Kenyan artist and sculptor who lives and works in Brooklyn, New York. I consider Mutu as one of the most important contemporary African artists of recent years, and her work has achieved much global acclaim studied worked and lived in the US shared a very deep talk about her life as an artist from Wales to the US and now back in Kenya. The talk opened up my mind and answered many questions about African Artist in the diaspora. Both Emeka and Wangechi touched on the subject we worked on with Rosana the facilitator in the use of materials research and presentation of one’s work.  I am looking forward to the coming weeks as the main Dark Art biennale officialy opened and the city is alive with more than 100 other exhibitions around Dakar. It is that week of the biennales official opening  and reunions new contacts and networking with curators and Artists.

www.wangechimutu.com

Glad to have seen  fellow Zimbabweans like Sithabile Mlotswa, Gina Maxim, Richard Mudariki in Dakar as well.

   




http://www.asikoartschool.org/