We kicked off the art fair week in style last night. Starting at Sethembile Msezane’s studio, in the company of the likes of Siwa Mgoboza, we headed to The Silo Hotel. We were attending an event for the collaboration between the Silo Vault and artHARARE, an artist-run initiative dedicated to fostering contemporary art in Zimbabwe and its diaspora.
Founded by Richard Mudariki in 2020, artHARARE has cultivated new audiences for Zimbabwean artists and facilitated the inclusion of their work in leading international art collections. At its core is the acclaimed artHARARE contemporary art fair, which offers a platform for artists to showcase their work, connect with collectors, and participate in educational programs. Through its diverse programs, artHARARE plays a pivotal role in nurturing Zimbabwe’s contemporary art scene, both locally and internationally.
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the initiative is how tangible its empowerment of artists is. Not only is it artist-led, but it seems to understand the delicate connection between art creation, community and compensation. The inaugural 2021 edition of artHARARE featured over thirty leading artists from various countries. The artists explored Harare as a catalyst for relational aesthetics, resulting in diverse works, which were popular within the art market. The 2021 edition also marked the launch of the artHARARE Africa First Art Prize.
Last night’s event was a concrete continuation of this immaculate legacy. The exhibition, including new works by Franklyn Dzingai, was a stylish affair attended by art enthusiasts, fancy collectors, and well-dressed aficionados. The ambience was electric, with guests enjoying canapés, champagne, and live music while immersing themselves in the distinctive sphere of Zimbabwean art.
Many of the artists were present. The paintings on display showcased a range of styles and many pieces already had red stickers underneath them, meaning that they had already been acquired by collectors, proving the resonance of the artworks with the audience. Some attendees were from Italy, Germany, and Switzerland and many of them richly spoke of their regular travels and attendance at Basel and the Venice Biennale, while others made it clear that their pockets were deep.
One could not be surprised to find such wealth at The Silo, just off the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA), which houses Africa’s largest collection of contemporary African art. The Hotel’s commitment to Southern African art was reiterated by the display of large-scale works by acclaimed artists like Mohau Modisakeng and Jody Paulsen at the foyer, boasting its significant role as a patron of the arts.
Meanwhile, the upcoming Investec Cape Town Art Fair promises to continue this appraisal of Zimbabwean creativity. One of the highlights of the fair will be a showcase of photographic works by emerging talents from Harare, exploring the theme of ‘Mushikashika.’ Through the lens of these photographers, viewers will be invited into the bustling urban life of Harare, its energy, diversity, and vibrancy captured in frozen moments.
As Zimbabwean artists continue to gain international acclaim and recognition, events like these serve as important milestones in showcasing the depth and diversity of their creative expression. Through exhibitions, fairs, and cultural exchanges, they forge connections, challenge perceptions, and redefine narratives, contributing to the vibrant fabric of African contemporary art. The opportunity to observe these happenings is an opportunity to observe history in the making.
artHARARE epitomises a culture of collaboration, innovation, and resilience, shaping the essence of Zimbabwe’s artistic milieu. It honours art’s transformative power in shaping identity and human experience and it does so in a distinctly Zimbabwean way, which is marvellous to behold. But on top of reminding us of the evolving and enduring legacy of Zimbabwean art on the global stage, this initiative is a stellar example of a business model that actually helps artists secure the bag.
