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