In a significant boost for local visual artists aspiring for international recognition, Harare is preparing to host Zimbabwe’s inaugural art fair, the Cheuka Art Fair (CHAF25), later this February. The event will take place from the 27th of February until the 1st of March at the Andy Miller Hall, Harare Exhibition Park. Curated by Laura Ganda, Cheuka Art Fair is the brainchild of Wallen Mapondera, Admire Kamudzengerere and Merilyn Mushakwe. They will be joined by other talented visual artists including Gareth Nyandoro, Mostaff Muchawaya, Kressiar Mukwazhi, Gideon Gomo, Victor Nyakauru and Nothando Chiwanga, who will participate in group discussions.
As the first event of its kind in Zimbabwe, CHAF25 will bring together galleries, artists and international collectors to buy, sell and showcase a diverse array of artworks. Mapondera described the upcoming event as a game changer for visual artists in Zimbabwe, “I have been a practicing visual artist for the past 10 years, and I have noticed that Zimbabwean artists are celebrated more abroad.“ With that, he thought it was a good idea that Zimbabwean artists have their own art fair at home, hence Cheuka Art Fair. Mapondera emphasised that they will work with selected galleries and artists for the inaugural event. “In this edition, we want to expose emerging talent from around the world, especially mentees who have been receiving training from established mentors, including Gareth Nyandoro.“
Fellow visual artist and creator of this concept, Admire Kamudzengerere, looks forward to CHAF25 exposing emerging talent on an international stage. “I have exhibited my works outside Zimbabwe, and art fairs are crucial in this whole business. In South Africa, there are three major art fairs: the Investec Cape Art Fair, the Standard Bank Art Fair and the Jo’burg Art Fair, which is funded by FNB. We find that many Zimbabwean visual artists operating in South African galleries get a chance to exhibit at these major festivals“. For this art fair, people are coming from different parts of the world, some staying for a week, boosting tourism. There is a lot of potential in art fairs and we do anticipate that at the Cheuka Art Fair.
CHAF 25 is expected to play a major role in the preservation of the continent’s cultural heritage while encouraging creative expression and driving socio-economic growth. Judging by the demand for Zimbabwean art, local visual artists are poised to make sales at this event. Besides CHAF25’s potential to attract top collectors, curators and art lovers, the event is expected to foster synergies through networking through gallery owners, mentors and artists as key stakeholders who are expected to make this initiative a reality. Emerging artists should also have a regional and international focus as they participate in the CHAF25, which is a game changer for local artists showcasing global talent. Overall, art fairs play a significant role in the art market and contribute to the visibility of contemporary art. This is the dream for the Cheuka Art Fair organisers, whose goal is to ensure that Zimbabwean art continues to thrive. CHAF25 has received the backing of various players in the corporate and civic sectors.
