Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. VISUAL artist Tago Tazvitya, who is also the patron of the Chitungwiza Arts Centre and the Shona Art Gallery, has urged visual artists to look beyond borders and unlock global opportunities and markets through producing quality works.
Tazvitya said Chitungwiza Arts Centre artists were poised to make a mark through carving adorable world-class figurines as they merge traditional techniques with modern perspectives.
He said China was one of countries that were supportive to the creative and cultural industries, adding that its cultural industry contributed a significant proportion to the gross domestic product.
He said artists should captivate global audiences through meticulous work that transcended boundaries. He identified the use of social media and leveraging on digital platforms as important sources of showcasing artworks to a worldwide audience.
“International markets availed by the China International Import Expo in Shanghai, China Yiwu International Commodities Fair, China Import and Export Fair, China International Fair for Investment and Trade and the China International Travel Mart in Shanghai, Kumming require embracing diversity, innovation and enhanced cultural exchanges. By merging traditional techniques with modern perspectives, artists can create unique pieces that resonate with global collectors, curators and enthusiasts,” Tazvitya said.
“In this case, the artists are supposed to create distinctive styles that blend local essence with universal appeal. Carry out adequate research and consultancy and acquaint yourselves with international trends, themes and mediums and craft a compelling narrative around your work and bridge cultural gaps. Meaningful partnerships and networks can emerge out of this.”
The Canton Fair Festival, which takes place in Guangzhou, China, has two annual editions, one in April and the other in October. The fair brings together over 70 000 exhibitors, who showcase industrial machinery, electrical and electronic goods, clothing and textile materials, in addition to products from the arts industry. The China Zimbabwe Exchange Centre (CZEC) has been, for some time, a trusted referral and facilitator for educational and cultural exchange trips to China, including the Canton Fair Festival. Musicians like Nyasha David, Fusion 5 Mangwiro, Mwenje Matole, among others, are beneficiaries of the Dream Star programmes. Visual Artists from Chitungwiza, like prolific painter Batsirai Muskwe, have benefited a lot from CZEC’s initiatives.
Tazvitya said artists should learn to balance their creative visions with viability.
“We need to grab first-time opportunities such as appearing on internationally reputable platforms like the Canton Fair in Guangzhou, China. Chitungwiza Arts Centre is now more than ready to partake in such prestigious expos.
“Our collective approach to art includes adoptable innovations and opening new trends and technologies. As such, we need to network through arts organisations, residencies and collaborations.
“We are facing a lot of challenges, which include but are not limited to being manipulated by fly-by-night collectors and curators who do not need to pursue protocols such as exhibiting at local galleries for building integrity and trust.
“We, therefore, appeal to stakeholders in the creative and cultural industries to identify and sponsor prominent visual artists to represent collectives at big expos so that they can express themselves fully and wisely on the beauty and diversity of African art.”
The visual artist claimed global fame through carving fine art and abstract renditions of stock birds, faces, heads, hippos and frogs.
His desire for fine finishes and an unbeatable serious emphasis on finer detail has made him the most sought-after mentor. He is adviser to the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe and patron of the Shona Art Gallery and the Chitungwiza Arts Centre.
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