This December, Tsoko Gallery is opening its doors for more than an art exhibition — it is inviting Harare to The Creative State, a space where art is not only seen, but felt, tasted, questioned and lived.
Running from December 22 to 30, the immersive exhibition brings together the evocative visual language of Zimbabwean portrait artist Costa Juta and the sensory artistry of Celebrity Chef De Ankarra Chef, in a collaboration that blurs the line between gallery walls and lived experience.
At its core, The Creative State is a celebration of African expression in motion — where visual art, sculpture and contemporary cuisine converge to create a multisensory encounter that challenges how audiences engage with creativity.
Juta, whose work anchors the exhibition, is known for portraiture that goes beyond surface likeness. Working across charcoal, acrylic, oil, digital art and photography, Juta uses the human face as a site of inquiry — exploring identity, emotion and the complexity of the human spirit.
His portraits are not simply representations, but deeply personal interpretations layered with feeling, curiosity and intent.
“For me, art is both a refuge and a challenge,” Juta reflected.
“It’s calming, but it also demands focus, patience and problem solving.
Each piece begins as a quiet idea and slowly becomes something tangible that often speaks back to me in unexpected ways.”
Those quiet ideas will take centre stage at Tsoko Gallery, located at 5 Harrow Road, Msasa, where visitors will experience a collection of Juta’s works alongside stone sculptures curated from Chapungu Sculpture Park, adding another layer of depth and heritage to the exhibition.
What makes The Creative State especially distinctive is its opening day experience.
From 3pm today, guests will be treated to bespoke dishes by Chef De Ankarra Chef carefully designed to mirror and respond to Juta’s paintings.
The dishes, available only on the opening day, transform contemporary African cuisine to edible storytelling, where flavour becomes an extension of the artwork on the walls.
Organisers describe the exhibition as more than an event. “The Creative State is not just an art exhibition, but a cultural movement,” the exhibition blurb read.
“It’s a dynamic space where creativity thrives, connections are sparked and art lovers gather to celebrate the evolving story of African expression.”
Following the official opening, the exhibition will be open to the public until December 30, with Tsoko Gallery welcoming visitors daily from 9am to 4pm, allowing art lovers, collectors and curious minds time to sit with the work and absorb its meaning.
In a season often marked by rush and noise, The Creative State offers something different. A place to engage with art that challenges, comforts and connects, while celebrating Zimbabwean creativity in its many forms.
As the organisers simply put it: “Come, experience art you can feel taste and live.”
