by Zimiso Nyamande
Imagine a world painted not just with colors, but with emotions, ideas, and the raw pulse of humanity. That's the power of art. It's a mirror reflecting our experiences, a voice amplifying unheard stories, and a bridge connecting us across cultures and time. Today, we delve into the world of Admire Kamudzengerere, a Zimbabwean artist whose practice focuses on challenging the world around him.
Hailing from the vibrant capital of Harare, Admire’s tough upbringing undeniably shaped his artistic perspective. The complex realities of shortage which he witnessed firsthand in his country of birth instilled in him a deep desire of wanting to, “fix things and achieving things that were out of reach.”
This early exposure to social and political realities wasn't just present, it was a driving force in Admire's career path. "The decision to pursue art wasn't a conscious choice," he reveals. An interest in making a picture or drawing and seeing work in the galley inspired him to start. Constant visits to galleries in Harare led him to realize, “there was more to art than just pictures or drawings, but behind these complex images are stories well put into a single picture.” Hence, art became a way for him to process the world around him, and give voice to the stories that needed to be heard.
Admire's practice is a multifaceted one, refusing to be confined to a single medium. He works across mediums like installation, painting, and even printmaking. "The medium is an afterthought," Admire explains. “It’s actually out of the need to do something, say something and feel something. What exists are thoughts and processes of what I will be trying to convey, so what’s available and accessible to my disposal is what ends up being a tool which I play around with,” he says. The media becomes a layer that he adds up to these thoughts on how he will apply art principles such as form. Something he says is, “a representation of how he survives in his home country.”
In his work, Admire explores the social and political realities of Zimbabwe. Realities of lost hope. His approach to these realities is centered on the Zimbabwean human being. A figure that leaves him with a lot of unanswered questions. Questions on how are they able to keep a hopeful outlook, in a state that offers no such hope. “I find interest in trying to peel of layers and research more on how people behave the way they do and how they live the way they do, as well as what makes them have hope to keep looking to achieve things.” This resilience of the human spirit is what he grapples with “in his art,” Admire says. His focus on these themes isn't merely observational, but a way to bring important issues to light and spark conversations.
Creating art with social commentary can be a balancing act, but Admire navigates it with grace. "There's a responsibility to be truthful, but also to spark meaningful conversation," he explains. "I try to present these issues in a way that resonates, rather than dictates." This focus on sparking dialogue ensures that his art is not just informative, but also inspiring and thought-provoking.
Admire Kamudzengerere’s artistic journey hasn't just been confined to Zimbabwe. An alumni of the Rijksakademie van Beeldende Kunsten, he also represented Zimbabwe at the prestigious Venice Biennale and has participated in solo and group exhibitions in Romania and in the UK. “Exhibiting around the world has taught me patience,” something he says he used to not have and wanted things to happen there and then. “It has built some wealth for me in terms of memories I have with people whom I met around the world.” This exposure to diverse audiences has undoubtedly influenced his artistic evolution.
This global resonance has also led to recognition from renowned institutions. Having his work acquired by the National Gallery of Zimbabwe and The Art Institute of Chicago is a point of pride. "It's exciting," Admire admits, "but more importantly, it serves the purpose of having our own archives that tell our own history." This recognition serves as a testament to the impactful nature of his work.
As for what's next, Admire remains tight-lipped about specific projects, but hints at a shift towards the current issues such as sewage disposal and cutting down of indigenous trees, less rainfall as well as sickness within the society. His current introspective turn focuses on the concept of environmental stewardship and community. "I’m working on how to instill hope into humanity. I think the world needs our attention, and guidance now more than ever.”
Looking ahead, Admire's aspirations are clear. "I want my art to continue to challenge and inspire," he says. "I want it to be a catalyst for positive change, both within Zimbabwe and on a global scale." However, his impact extends beyond creating art; he actively nurtures the artistic community. ANIMAL FARM ARTIST RESIDENCY, an artist residency space in Chitungwiza, stands as a testament to this. "ANIMAL FARM is about creating a space for creative exchange," he explains, "a place where artists can learn from each other and push boundaries." Through this initiative, Admire is ensuring that the artistic spirit continues to thrive in Zimbabwe. A printworking workshop was recently concluded at the ANIMAL FARM with 12 young ane mid career artiststs.
Watch Video by Stellenbosch Academy profiling Admire and the Animal Farm Artist Residency
Through his art and initiatives, Admire is proving that artists are not just observers of society, but active participants in shaping its future. His willingness to grapple with complex issues, his multifaceted approach to artistic expression, and dedication to fostering creativity all contribute to his remarkable impact on the world.
Zimiso Nyamande is a young art journalist forcusing on the growing art scene in Zimbabwe.
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