MANY sculptors and other visual artists have for ages been complaining about the treatment they are subjected to working under galleries. It is such vein that artists like Privilege Garadi have vowed to go solo.
TAFADZWA MURANGANWA OWN CORRESPONDENT
Speaking to NewsDay ahead of an exhibition called Life in Stone that opens today at Samora Machel Avenue Parkade in the capital, Garadi said embarking on a solo project had its fair of challenges, but determination paid in the long run.
“After setting my own studio this year, I have managed to hold three exhibitions which I can safely say have been equally successful,” Garadi said.
He said the exhibition was a true reflection of how they value their work as a means of livelihood.
“To us, stone sculpting is a profession, so we put all our thrust to it because we know it is the only source of income we have,” the dreadlocked sculptor said.
The Mabvuku-based sculptor said apart from showcasing his own works at the exhibition, there would be also the works of fellow sculptors like Panashe Wadawareva, Nelson Ngomisa and Sam Mabhewu, among many others.
“Like I said when I set my website to market my artworks that I would like to help upcoming artists to find their footing, this exhibition will see me doing exactly that as my fellow sculptors will have their work exhibited also,” he added.
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However, the artist said there was still need for promoters to canvass for artworks done by solo artists to support them.
“Most promoters are still confined to helping artists endorsed in galleries, but they are missing out on great creativity of solo artists who are not subjected to curatorship which can compromise finesse of art when they embark on their works,” the 28-year-old Guruve-born sculptor bemoaned.
The exhibition will be the last, according to Garadi, and will be graced by many diplomats, among them the Greek and British Ambassador.
Also in attendance will be Roy Guthrie, founder of Chapungu Arts Centre. Guthrie is famed for being one of the biggest arts promoters in the country.
Entertainment will be provided by Gary Tight who is the son of revered musician Willom Tight Garadi has featured in many exhibitions starting from 2005 when he came to Harare.
He has participated in the editions of Hifa from 2005-2007.
In 2008, he showcased his works in the Ethno Design Project and the following year, he also displayed his work at the Harare Gardens at a Buddyz Annual Festival of the Arts.
In2010, he was among the artists who had a chance to meet international buyers at the Sanganai World Travel Expo.
The same year, he featured at a exhibition dubbed Live and Direct at the National Art Gallery.
