by Richard Mudariki
In early 2006, I participated in and curated my first three-man exhibition at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe in Mutare, titled "Our Thoughts." It included work by myself, Wallen Mapondera and Inzwai Mishowe. I still remember that time vividly: we were a collective of young artitsts, somehow inexperienced, poor, confused, and unknown. We traveled by train overnight from Harare to Mutare, with our artworks stored in the baggage section. Arriving early in the morning for our first visit to the Eastern Highlands city, we discovered some of our artworks were damaged. Hungry and disoriented, we got lost trying to navigate from the train station to the gallery. Without cellphones, we had to rely on asking for directions from people on the streets.
Lost and wandering around the city with our paintings and drawings wrapped in plastic and cloth, we eventually arrived at the gallery. We were warmly welcomed by Judy Mutunhu, the Regional Director at the time. Although we did not sell any work at the exhibition, it marked the beginning of a wonderful relationship with the National Gallery of Zimbabwe in Mutare.
I am very grateful for that experience; it taught me the importance of seeking out opportunities despite setbacks and difficulties. For the next three years, the collective held three-man exhibitions at the National Gallery in Mutare and developed a good following. We made wonderful friends, including Katharine Prescott-Decie Schneeberger, who supported our efforts as young artists. Most importantly, in 2008, we participated in the Africa University Arts Festival, a significant event in the city of Mutare.
It gave the collective confidence and helped us become known within the arts community of Mutare. I would also like to recognize Judy Mutunhu (Regional Director at the time), Elizabeth Muusha (current Regional Director), Mr. Chikukwa (gallery manager), Richard Mawere (a good friend who has supported our efforts and helped with accommodation), Dr. Mutunhu, Dr. T. Chitepo (Africa University Dean at the time) representatives from the Mayor of Mutare and the City of Mutare, as well as all those I may not have mentioned at this time.
Curated Exhibitions from 2006 to 2010
2006: Our Thoughts (Wallen Mapondera, Inzwai Mushowe and Richard Mudariki), National Gallery of Zimbabwe in Mutare, Mutare, Zimbabwe
2007: Our Sixth Sense (Wallen Mapondera, Inzwai Mushowe and Richard Mudariki), National Gallery of Zimbabwe in Mutare, Mutare, Zimbabwe
2008: Onai (Mukudzei Muzondo, Wallen Mapondera and Richard Mudariki), National Gallery of Zimbabwe in Mutare, Mutare, Zimbabwe
2009: The Africa University Arts Festival, Group Exhibition at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe in Mutare, Mutare, Zimbabwe
2010: reflections.co.zw, National Gallery of Zimbabwe in Mutare, Mutare, Zimbabwe
This article was first published in 2013 by the author on his blog The Mudariki Post
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