Art. A mere mention of it turns the ordinary Zimbabwean’s head away though it surrounds the all day long. Young creatives have their dreams by family’s telling their children that their plans were a lost cause. A lost culture drowned by colonialism giving birth to a generation of ignorant people who do not believe that expression is an integral part of life. However, hope might still exist. Tonderai Masandu a Chinhoyi University of Technology student recently launched his first solo exhibition at Courtney Hotel and the whole shebang was possible with the full backing of his mother.

The exhibition titled Years To Fruition, showcased selected pieces that Tonderai has done over the span of his creative career. His works range from paintings of prolific figures like Mapfumo to Digital paintings, Photography and Graphic Designing. After our review of the exhibition, we were quite impressed by the creative direction the Art and Design School at CUT is leading these young artists too.  The level of detail in every piece reveals an inert passion that is being nurtured in a right way. If more artist in Zimbabwe receives this much support and exposure then the likes of the legendary curator Raphael Chikukwa will be happy that the work they have put in will not become a distant memory.

The highlight of the day which was the viewing of the artworks, seemed to have very positive feedback from the audience as the guests were inspired while others developed a connection with some of the pieces. Former colleagues, family, arts professionals including representatives from CUT were part of the people who came to celebrate this feat. A representative from Peter Birch School of Fine Art.   To add a good dose of celebration, Tonderai roped in soulful singer Tamy and Afro Pop sensation Mussa Effect who made sure that the mood was all festive. We believe this is the beginning of a long artistic journey for Tonderai. Wishing him more brush strokes to come!