The Creative State
An immersive art exhibition bringing together painting, sculpture and contemporary African cuisine is set to open in Harare, offering visitors what organisers describe as a multi-sensory cultural experience.
The Creative State, hosted at Tsoko Gallery in Msasa, will feature new works by Zimbabwean portrait artist Costa Juta, paired with bespoke dishes created by celebrity De Ankarra Chef. The exhibition opens at 3pm on Monday 22 December 2025 and runs until 30 December, with the gallery open daily from 9am to 4pm.
Organisers say the show goes beyond a traditional gallery display, positioning itself as a cultural movement that encourages interaction, connection and reflection around contemporary African expression.
Art you can feel, taste and live
At the heart of the exhibition are Costa Juta’s portraits, produced across a range of media including charcoal, acrylic, oil, digital art and photography. Known for his expressive approach, Costa’s work focuses on capturing not just the physical likeness of his subjects, but their inner character and emotional presence.
In a statement, the artist describes his practice as both calming and demanding.
“For me, art is both a refuge and a challenge,” he says. “Each piece begins as a quiet idea, but the process of shaping it layer by layer requires focus, patience and problem-solving. When it finally comes together, the finished work often speaks back to me in ways I didn’t expect.”
Costa’s portraits, organisers say, will form the backbone of the exhibition, inviting viewers to engage with themes of identity, emotion and human connection.
Cuisine inspired by canvas
Adding a distinctive layer to the experience, De Ankarra Chef will present a series of bespoke dishes inspired by Costa’s main paintings. Each dish is designed to echo the mood, colour and narrative of a specific artwork, translating visual expression into flavour.
The culinary element will be available only on the opening day, making the launch a one-day-only fusion of fine art and contemporary African cuisine.
“This is about creating a conversation between disciplines,” organisers said. “It’s an invitation to experience art not just visually, but through all the senses.”
Sculpture and setting
The exhibition will also include precious stone sculptures from Chapungu Sculpture Park, adding a three-dimensional dimension to the show and linking the contemporary works with Zimbabwe’s long-standing sculptural traditions.
The venue, Tsoko Gallery at 5 Harrow Road, Msasa, provides an intimate setting for the exhibition, allowing visitors to move closely between paintings, sculpture and space.
A platform for African expression
The event is hosted by The Creative State, a platform described as a dynamic space where creativity thrives and connections are sparked. The initiative brings together artists, creatives and audiences to celebrate the evolving story of African art and culture.
Running from 22 to 30 December, The Creative State exhibition is expected to attract art lovers, collectors and cultural enthusiasts looking for a reflective yet immersive way to close the year.
As the organisers put it: this is art you can feel, taste and live.
