The EU is also staging the show in order to fund raise for the National Gallery of Zimbabwe. Artists across Zimbabwe were invited to participate in the Competition to illustrate and explain the value of the work in Zimbabwe by the EU from the artists creative point of view using their choice of media. The EU will award the top three works with prize money to the tune of $500, $350 and $150 respectively.
The EU and Zimbabwe have maintained ties through support in humanitarian causes, development assistance projects and visual art. In the works to be on exhibition, artists reveal and revisit the historical and geographical background of the EU giving detail to the symbolism of its flag, its colours, map, the stars, structure, borders, passport, currencies and commonalities while exploring the relations between EU and Zimbabwe. In brief, the EU is an international organization with a group of 27 European countries whose flag symbolizes the unity and integrity of its members. The number of the stars on the map was adopted because twelve is considered a symbol of perfection. The circle of stars represents harmony among the people of the Union.
Continental Dialogues aims to celebrate the EU residency in Zimbabwe by inviting local artists, both emerging and professionals to explore and develop their own interpretation of the theme. In June 2008 the European Union together with other cultural organizations held a photographic competition and exhibition on environmental issues titled Art for Life. The photographs pointed out the celebration or negation of the environment in picture form. In Continental Dialogues the incorporation of the EU and Zimbabwean imagery into the works paves way for issues about the EU identity and how they are relevant in Zimbabwean discourses. Charles Kamagwanas Just a ride, is a collage of colours that portrays a social statement of two men riding their bicycles along a narrow road whilst chatting. It explores the idea that some problems are better left behind the walls and when people come together they should work towards a common goal.
In Calvin Chimutuwahs Stary Circle, the use of silver strokes and a touch of blue accompanied by a visual of children drawing the EU golden stars and the Zimbabwean bird at the centre of the circle, demonstrates and strengthens the existence of the union between the Zimbabwe and EU. Lin Barrie brings to this exhibition a painting titled Zimbabwe/EU Food Security- Wildlife animal conflict, an illustration of an elephant towering over a woman sitting on the ground next to some traditional refreshments and vegetables. Also appearing in the painting are the twelve gold stars.
The exhibition will be mounted for one week and all the works will be auctioned on the evening of March 25. All proceeds from the auction will benefit the artists and the National Gallery of Zimbabwe. Tickets for the auction can be bought at Alliance Francaise, Book Caf, Doon Estate, European Union, National Gallery of Zimbabwe, Picture Frame Newlands and Zimbabwe German Society.
Post published in: Arts