Patrick Makumbe’s Kuva Ziso Exhibition at the First Floor Art Gallery
Zimbabwean art has long captivated the global art scene with its unique recognition and impact.
This tradition, dating back to the 1950s, has produced remarkable talents that have left an indelible mark on international art annals.
In this legacy of artistic excellence, Patrick Makumbe recently held a riveting exhibition at the First Floor Art Gallery in Harare.
A contemporary role model, Makumbe’s works exemplify an unwavering commitment to his Zimbabwean roots.
Capturing the Gift of Being Seen
Makumbe’s recent exhibition, aptly titled “Kuva Ziso,” is a celebration of the gift of being seen and understood.
His paintings radiate compassion, empathy, and the simple joys of human connection.
While these emotions are universally relatable, they find their truest expression in Zimbabwean hearts.
Viewing Makumbe’s works is an experience of recognition—a moment when people can exclaim, “This is us!”
His art goes beyond mere representation; it encapsulates the essence of a nation.
Conversing through Art
Patrick Makumbe’s works portray everyday life, struggles, and the harshness faced by people living in urban settings.
His paintings emphasize body language and actions over facial expressions, creating a visual dialogue that delves into the human experience.
“My work is greatly influenced by my experience as a Zimbabwean. I paint everyday life, the struggle and the harshness experienced by people living in the city,” says Makumbe.
“My figures are rendered in rough and smooth brushwork set off against a loose background that erodes the edges of a silhouette. I don’t focus on the face as I am more deeply moved by body language and actions.”
A Bridge Between Traditions
Within the realm of Zimbabwean art, Makumbe stands as a bridge between generations.
His artistic journey draws inspiration from the school of Harare-based artists of the 1980s and 1990s, a period notably reflected in the works of artists like Luis Meque.
This bridge is pivotal in understanding the trajectory of Zimbabwean painting over the past decades, encompassing artists from Kigsley Sambo to Misheck Masamvu and Wycliffe Mundopa.
Local Roots, Global Reach
Makumbe’s artistic journey is one of international acclaim entwined with a steadfast connection to his homeland.
Notably, he was among the first African artists to gain acceptance into the esteemed and competitive Rijksakademie in Amsterdam.
Despite this global recognition, Makumbe remains devoted to living and working in Zimbabwe.
His artistic philosophy echoes the sentiment that one need not abandon their roots to succeed on the international stage—a message that resonates deeply with emerging contemporary artists.
The Heart of Zimbabwean Authenticity
Amidst ongoing global discussions about authenticity in representation, Patrick Makumbe’s paintings stand as poignant reflections of Zimbabwean life and culture.
His artworks transcend borders, capturing sentiments like compassion, empathy, and camaraderie that are universally understood.
However, it is in Zimbabwe that these sentiments come to life most vividly.
Makumbe’s art portrays the everyday struggles and experiences of Zimbabweans, speaking to their hearts in ways that are uniquely authentic.
About Patrick Makumbe
Born in 1978 in Harare, the artist honed his craft at various institutions including B.A.T Visual Art Studios under National Art Gallery of Zimbabwe and Rijksakademie Van Beeldend Kunsten in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Having displayed an early gift for drawing, Patrick Makumbe joined the wave of figurative painters such as Luis Meque, Ishmael Wilfred, Hillary Kashiri and George Churu and which emerged from the B.A.T. Workshop (now the National Gallery of Zimbabwe Visual Art Studios) and centred on Gallery Delta in the 1990s.
The first Zimbabwean artist to enter into Rijksakademie, Makumbe established himself as the leading figurative painter of the younger generation in the country with a strong international following participating in
exhibitions in South Africa, Brazil, Germany, South Korea as well as locally.
