Upcoming visual artists have bemoaned lack of space and facilities for promoting their works in the country.
Young artists that recently attended a discussion at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe under the theme “Discovering How We Would Like To Be Identified” concurred most of them lagged behind older artists because they lack exposure.
It became apparent during the discussion exhibition space was a major challenge among young and upcoming artists.
In attendance were young artists whose works are on display at the Gallery.
“As young artists, we have this big problem of exhibition space. We only get to participate in one or two shows every year either here (at the Gallery) or at Gallery Delta,” said artist Clive Mukucha.
Young artists welcomed the formation of First Floor Gallery, an initiative by artists, but said such projects required necessary funding and support in order to yield desired results.
Another young artist, Kelvin Dondo, said in addition to impacting negatively on the growth of young artists, the shortage of exhibition space had limited competition.
“You would find out that for most of the day, visual artists would be locked up in their studies, yet they are supposed to spend much of their time exhibiting and sharing ideas,” said Dondo.
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Female photographer Nancy Mteki said: “The most important thing for an upcoming artist is exposure. “It will help in developing artists in the country.” The young artists also highlighted that lack of funding was impacting negatively on their efforts in the sector.
Victor Nyakauru, who has participated in local and international exhibitions, said lack of adequate finances limits artists to “only small projects their finances can be able to sustain”.
