by artweb
The recently concluded National Merit Awards (NAMA) 2024, held on March 1 at the Harare Hippodrome, once again placed a spotlight on Zimbabwe’s creative excellence. While the event celebrated artistic contributions across multiple disciplines, the visual arts category stood out for its compelling mix of established and emerging talent, reflecting the vibrancy and depth of Zimbabwean contemporary art.
The nominations showcased a diverse group of painters and multidisciplinary artists, highlighting both seasoned professionals and newcomers shaping the landscape of Zimbabwean art. The competition was particularly intense, with artists known for their international success finally gaining deserved recognition at home.
Moffat Takadiwa won Outstanding Male Visual Artist, dedicating the award to his people in Tengwe/Karoi, his Mbare Art Studios team, assistants, and overseas galleries. In his acceptance message, he emphasized the importance of celebrating artists within Zimbabwe rather than waiting for global validation. Having represented Zimbabwe at the 2024 Venice Biennale, Takadiwa continues to make a significant impact in contemporary art, transforming discarded materials into striking socio-political statements. Also nominated in this category were Gareth Nyandoro and Ismael Mposa.
In the Outstanding Female Visual Artist category, Portia Zvavahera emerged victorious. One of Zimbabwe’s most internationally recognized artists, she is represented by David Zwirner, one of the world’s leading galleries. Her work, known for its dreamlike and deeply emotive quality, has earned her a place on the global stage. In 2024, she held "Imba Yerumbidzo" at the Louis Vuitton Foundation, followed by "Zvakazarurwa" at Kettle’s Yard in England, alongside other prestigious international showcases.
The Outstanding Upcoming Visual Artist award went to Kundai Nathan, a young artist whose intricate work using braided and plaited textiles explores themes of labor, texture, and spirituality. Having completed a Cape Town artist residency in 2024, Nathan is now based at Mbare Arts Space, where he continues developing his unique sculptural and textile-based practice. Her dedication to slow, labor-intensive processes elevates everyday skills into fine art, celebrating unseen and often undervalued labor. Other nominees included UK-based Fungai Marima and photographer Nothando Chiwanga.
The Outstanding Exhibition award went to "Undone", curated by Fadzai Veronica Muchemwa, as part of the 2024 Venice Biennale Zimbabwe Pavilion. The exhibition embodied the spirit of communalism and interconnectedness, presenting themes of identity, history, social justice, and environmental sustainability through a range of artistic mediums. Featuring works by artists such as Sekai Machache, Troy Makaza, Moffat Takadiwa, Gillian Rosselli, Kombo Chapfika, and Victor Nyakauru, the exhibition demonstrated the power of Zimbabwean contemporary art on an international platform. Muchemwa, a Harare-based curator and researcher, currently serves as Curator for Contemporary Art at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe, where her work continues to shape and elevate the country’s artistic discourse. Also nominated in this category were "A Woman's Yoke" by Sinqobile Shamiso Dube, curated by Doris Kampira, and "Our Father’s Inheritance Does Not Allow Us to Rest", also curated by Muchemwa.
While NAMA remains an essential platform for recognizing artistic excellence in Zimbabwe, there is room for growth in its engagement with the visual arts community. Greater visibility, funding, and international collaborations could significantly enhance the impact of these awards, ensuring that Zimbabwean artists are celebrated both locally and globally.
The NAMA 2024 visual arts category reaffirmed the strength and dynamism of Zimbabwean contemporary art. As artists continue to push boundaries, innovate, and challenge societal narratives, the future of Zimbabwean art remains bright, with even greater achievements on the horizon.
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