The National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) would like to express its shock and sadness at the sudden death of Rashid Jogee who had been active in the arts for over three decades and is considered one of the godfathers of contemporary art in Zimbabwe.
NACZ would like to send its sincere condolences to the Jogee family in Zimbabwe, his fans and the entire art fraternity following the death of Rashid who was famous for his colourful abstract and expressionist compositions.
Jogee was born in Bulawayo and started painting at the age of nineteen. He studied at Mzilikazi Arts Centre and later at the Bulawayo Technical College. He is one of Zimbabwe’s most independent and original artists, who worked in a variety of styles and techniques.
Rashid had over 48 exhibitions in Zimbabwe, South Africa, Botswana, Mozambique, Kenya, England, USA, Denmark, Germany and Sweden. In 2013 he represented Zimbabwe at the Venice Biennale.
He conducted numerous workshops in Bulawayo, Murewa, Cyrene, Marondera and Thapong in Botswana. His works have also been featured in numerous publications in Botswana, Namibia, Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Rashid taught at Mzilikazi Arts and Craft Centre as well as Founders High school in Bulawayo imparting knowledge and grooming young talent in the city of Bulawayo.
The death of Rashid has robbed the country of one of its foremost artists who was a mentor and role model for many upcoming artists who passed through his hands.
May his soul rest in peace.
