Marie Imbrova, Ph.D. - Official Website - Archive 2010

Search

Go to content

African Echoes 2010


African Echoes in 2010


December 2010

Article Title: ZIMBABWE ENTERS WORLD BLACK ARTS FESTIVAL


Source: NEHANDA RADIO - Zimbabwe News and Internet Radio Station, December 16, 2010, 2:59 p.m./Author: Trudy Stevenson

Zimbabwe is one of only two Southern African governments taking part in the 3rd World Black Arts Festival - FESMAN (Festival Mondial des Arts Negres) - taking place 10 - 31 December in Dakar, South Africa being the other one.

This major international arts and culture event opened Friday with the first in a series of Forums on black civilisation and culture, launched by Senegalese president Abdoulaye Wade in the presence of government delegations from both other African countries and the Diaspora, especially Americas ...

... Dr. Marie Imbrova is officially representing Minister of Education, Sport, Arts and Culture David Coltart. Assisted by the National Gallery and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Imbrova organised the shipment of some 38 stone scuptures and paintings now on exhibition athe Zimbabwe Embassy in Dakar.

She has given two talks on contemporary Zimbabwe art, representing also the artists whose work are being exhibited, including Lazarus Takawira, Taylor Nkomo, Thakor Patel, Lovemore Kambudzi, Virginia Chihota, Victor Fire and Gideon Gomo, among others ...

You can read the entire article at
nehandaradio.com



December 2010

Article Title: ZIM PARTICIPATES IN WORLD BLACK ARTS FESTIVAL

Source: NEWSDAY - Everyday News for Everyday People, December 14, 2010, 3:56 p.m./Author: Trudy Stevenson


Dakar is where the action’s at, this month, with the 3rd World Black Arts Festival, Festival Mondial des Arts Negres, taking place between December 10 and 31.

This major international arts and culture event opened Friday with the first in a series of forums on black civilisation and culture, launched by Senegalese president Abdoulaye Wade ...

You can read the entire article at
www.newsday.co.zw



December 2010

Article Title: PAYS PARTICIPANT: PLEINS FEUX SUR LA SCULPTURE ET LA PEINTURE ZIMBABWÉENNES (PARTICIPATING COUNTRY: SPOTLIGHT ON ZIMBABWEAN SCULPTURE AND PAINTING)


Source: LE SOLEIL, December 9, 2010, 10:03 a.m./Author: Omar Diouf

Une délégation d’artistes sculpteurs et peintres zimbabwéens accompagnée par Dr Marie Imbrova, représentante du Ministre zimbabwéen des Arts et de la Culture, arrive aujourd’hui a Dakar, dans le cadre du 3e Festival mondial des Arts negres.

Le Dr Marie Imbrova, selon un communiqué de l’Ambassade du Zimbabwe a Dakar, présentera jusqu’au au 21 décembre, une collection sélectionnée par la Galerie Nationale du Zimbabwe, Dominic Benhura, sculpteur renommée et par elle-meme, a la Chancellerie de l’Ambassade du Zimbabwe ...


You can read the entire article at lesoleilmultimedia.com (available in French language only).



July 2010

Article Title: ZIM ART WORKS ON SHOW IN CZECH REPUBLIC

Source: The Standard - Zimbabwe's Leading Sunday Newspaper, July 17, 2010/Author: John Mokwetsi

An exhibition featuring works of five Zimbabwean visual artists is underway at the Emil Julis and Antiquariat Fabio gallery in the Czech Republic.

The showcase - titled
"Born in Zimbabwe" - opened last week and runs until September 11 (extended until September 30). Works on display are from Dominic Benhura, Voti Thebe, Lovemore Kambudzi, David Chinyama and Batsirai Muskwe.
All the pieces on display are from Marie Imbrova’s private collection. Imbrova is a former Chargé d'Affaires of the Czech Republic to Zimbabwe who greatly supported visual arts in various ways during her sojourn in Harare...


Read more at: www.thestandard.co.zw

Link:
www.newzimsituation.com



July 2010

Article Title: BORN IN ZIMBABWE

Source: AfricanColours - Your Guide To Contemporary African Art, July 9, 2010/Author: Dr. Marie Imbrova

This exhibition includes works by five renowned Zimbabwean artists at the Cerncice Gallery. The Gallery will host paintings and sculptures all of which are in the private ownership of Marie Imbrova. This is the second exhibition hosted by the gallery in partnership with Marie Imbrova and the gallery owner Mr. P. R. Vejrazka.


Acrobats by Dominc Benhura, a collection of Marie Imbrova


The "second generation" sculptor, Dominic Benhura is showcasing six of his sculptures in this exhibition. Benhura's works portray movement in the empiric natural circumstance which has made many of his art pieces unique both internationally and at his home base in Zimbabwe. Benhura a well known artist in Zimbabwe has sculptures in different corners of the world where they are a collection bought by art lovers and collectors. His pieces also decorate the lobbies of famous international companies worldwide.

Lovemore Kambudzi's paintings at the exhibition are a depiction of the political system in Zimbabwe as well as the everyday life of Zimbabweans. His spotted figures with their caricatured faces are the typical picture of the times.


Mbare Musika by Lovemore Kambudzi. Image from africanworks.blogspot.com


His work can be admired in several international galleries such as two displayed at the Czech National gallery in Prague.

David Chinyama's work is in direct contrast to his previous work. His new work is calm, relaxing, showing of the non-conflict style, his interest about nature and family life - all elements that led to his fame and the interest of art lovers both in the U.S.A. and Western Europe.

Voti Thebe does not deny his inspiration from the fighting traditions of the Zulu, which in fact form part of his own background what with his being very close to the traditions and habits of this tribe. Voti's expressive triptych canvases are on show at the exhibition.

The clear representative of the local symbolism is Batsirai Muskwe, the last of the five African artists. He plays with the symbols, colors and composition and then reflects it in his masterpieces.

This exhibition is held with the support of Mr. Hynek Kmonicek, Foreign Affairs Vice-Minister of the Czech Republic, and will be open till 11th September 2010
(now extended until 30th September 2010).


Published at www.africancolours.com

For more information visit: www.vejr.cz/gej



June 2010

Article Title: LAZARUS TAKAWIRA'S EXHIBITION IN CZECH REPUBLIC

Source: AfricanColours - Your Guide To Contemporary African Art, June 7, 2010/Author: Dr. Marie Imbrova

The exhibition showcases 15 pieces by the famous second generation sculptor Lazarus Takawira from Zimbabwe.

The show opened on Saturday May 29, 2010 at the Spa Belohrad, Czech Republic, in the modern four stars resort Tree of Life with the support of the management of the resort and with cooperation of Dr. Marie Imbrova, the private collector of Zimbabwe art ...




Read more at www.africancolours.com


For more information visit: www.treeoflife.cz , www.lazarustakawira.com





Lazarus Takawira: Proud Girl



April 2010

Article Title: STEPHEN KAPPATA - LEGEND OF ZAMBIA

Source: AfricanColours - Your Guide To Contemporary African Art, April 12, 2010/Author: Dr. Marie Imbrova


Stephen Kappata (1936 - 2007) is still the best-known Zambian painter. His relationship with the Czech Republic started in 2005, when the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Harare asked him to paint documentary pictures for the unveiling of the Emil Holub statue in Livingstone. This opportunity helped him to contact Czech art collectors.



Dr. Emil Holub and Mr. Blockeley met the King of the Malozi Sipopa in 1875



Dr. Marie Imbrova an ardent collector of African art acquired a small collection of Kappata's pieces which will be staged in the famous mini-gallery
REHOR SAMSA CAFE in the centre of Prague from 14th April to 30th April 2010.

The official opening of the exhibition is on 13th of April 2010. All Zambians living in Prague are invited.


About the artist by Virginie Andriamirado

Kappata grew up under the British occupation of what until 1964 was Northern Rhodesia. His critical aptitude was sharpened at a very early age by the fact that his family belonged to the Watchtower, which was highly popular amongst Barosteland inhabitants marginalized by immigration and poverty. This did not stop him from wanting to become a policeman, a vocation he renounced to go to work in the South African mines at the beginning of the Sixties.

Harsh working conditions and the extreme tension after the Sharpeville massacre in 1960 heightened Kappata's political awareness. On his return home in 1962, he joined the United National Independence Party again, where he used his artistic talents to design posters and comic strips for the party.

He had started to paint in South Africa, doing nude portraits for a steadily growing market. Kappata became an audiovisual assistant, then worked until retirement for the Ministry of Agriculture designing posters, brochures, and book covers - also contributed to his artistic training, introducing him to silkscreen printing and photography amongst other things. Although he never stopped painting, it was his 1969 meeting with the Zairian artist Phiri that helped his painting to develop beyond the anecdotal.

It wasn't until the mid-Eighties that his talent really took off with the help of Annalise Clausen, a Danish woman living in Zambia who liked his work, opening the doors of prestigious exhibition spaces, such as the Mpapa Gallery in Lusaka. This in turn got him exhibitions in Europe and the United States.


What causes domestic violence ?


Kappata's painting revolves around three themes, or predominant subjects: Zambia's traditional culture and history, and social satires of contemporary life and life under colonial occupation. Whatever theme he tackles, the realism of his brush is precise, its humoristic touches acerbic.


This is particularly the case in his representations of colonial occupation, which he re-conjures with a delightful attention to detail. There are often two sides to the colonial experience in Kappata's work. One naturally finds the violence and humiliations his people suffered, but one can also detect a certain fascination - probably that of a child - for the order and uniforms, a uniform he would have worn himself had he have become a policeman.


In addition to uniforms, other colonial symbols, such as pith helmets, revolvers, truncheons, whips, and flags are recurrent in the colonial paintings inspired by the artist and his people's experiences.

By painting the memories that most marked him, Stephen Kappata transcribes the memory of a people despoiled by years of colonial exploitation and committed to the independence struggle. The storyteller, archivist, historian and artist merge into one, giving his work the added force of an essential testimony on the colonial era.

Visual griot Stephen Kappata's caravans of porters arriving in villages led by white district commissioners sprawled in hammocks or perched on top of red horses - landings despised by the villagers who had to pay taxes to the colonial authorities year in, year out - recreate the humiliations suffered.


His scenes depicting black workers being clubbed by soldiers or foremen, or the battles between armed, white policemen and unarmed black activists are of the same vein. A dark humoristic vision always accompanies the violence, going beyond the tragedy to reveal the absurdity of the situation and of History too.



People used to walk ...


Painted in bright or, in his recent works, sometimes dazzling colours, Stephen Kappata's works are done on a single plane. They also feature short narrative texts.

These elements have helped position him as a "native" artist. A "native" artist who is acutely aware of himself and History, who offers a critical, satirical vision of the colonial past, restoring the harsh truth with impressive attention to detail.

His work constitutes an exploration of memory that is vital for both parties. It needs to be seen by as many people as possible to invert the mirror, which, in the fashion of Jean Cocteau, "would do well to think before reflecting our image"!


Published at www.africancolours.com


April 2010

Article Title: SCULPTURE EXHIBITION SUPPORTS TENGENENGE ARTISTS AND ZIMBABWE RED CROSS SOCIETY

Source:
International Committee of the Red Cross Bulletin, Regional Delegation, Harare, Zimbabwe, 1st Quarter Edition, April 2010, Page 4/Author: ICRC Regional Delegation, Harare

The village of Tengenenge near Guruve, 150 km north of Harare has been described as a "magical place" where raw talent is thriving. People from all walks of life come here to see and buy unique stone sculptures that reflect the beauty of indigenous Zimbabwean artistic expression. On February 19, 2010, Tengenenge seemed to have "relocated" to Harare when the ICRC hosted a sculpture exhibition and auction at its premises with the aim of supporting the activities of the Zimbabwe Red Cross Society (ZRCS) and giving more exposure and publicity to the stone treasures that exist in Tengenenge. An initiative of Thomas Merkelbach, ICRC Regional Delegate and art sponsor Marie Imbrova, the event was well attended by members of the diplomatic, humanitarian, governmental and private sectors of society ...

Read more at www.icrc.org



March 2010

Article Title: TENGENENGE SCULPTURE AUCTION RAISES FUNDS FOR RED CROSS

Source: AfricanColours, March 16, 2010/Author: Dr. Marie Imbrova


USD 1 389 was raised for the
Zimbabwe Red Cross Society from an auction of five sculptures from Tengenenge Sculpture Community. The event was organized by the International Commitee of The Red Cross in Harare in cooperation with the private collector, Marie Imbrova, from the Czech Republic.


Artist David Chinyama (R) Marie Imbrova (M) with Guests at the auction


The auction was held in the gardens of the ICRC Delegation on Friday February 19, 2010 after the official opening of the Tengenenge exhibition from the private collection of Mrs. Imbrova.

Donation of five extra pieces from Tengenenge was bidding for 40 minutes and their quality and attractivity raised surprising results for Zimbabwe Red Cross Society


The other 150 guests were pleased by the selection of 33 pieces delivered directly from Tengenenge after Mrs. Imbrova's selection. She presented most of the outstanding artitsts from Tengenenge including Josiah Manzi, Amali Malola, Ali Chitaro, Claudius Muhomba, Merchers Chiwawa among others.

Two-thirds of the exhibited pieces were sold for 2 050 USD. This amount was handed over by the Regional Delegate of the ICRC and Mrs. Marie Imbrova to
Dominic Benhura, new director of Tengenenge since 2007, for Tengenenge pre-school and children's play centre.


The day after, February 20, 2010 Dominic Benhura received his 2nd NAMA Awards and the Arts Service Award, on behalf of Tengenenge.



Mrs. Trudy Stewenson, the Zimbabwean Ambassador to Senegal with Mrs. Marie Imbrova

Published at www.africancolours.com

For more information visit www.herald.co.zw , www.allafrica.com , www.icrc.org


March 2010

Article Title: TENGENENGE SCULPTURES FETCH US$ 1 400


Source: The Herald - Published by the Government of Zimbabwe and allAfrica.com, March 2, 2010
/Author: Entertainment Reporter

Harare - More than US$ 1 400 was raised for the Zimbabwe Red Cross Society from an auction of sculptures donated by Tengenenge Sculpture Community.
The group exhibition and auction was held at the International Committee of the Red Cross in Harare that saw five pieces worth US$ 1 389 being sold.
Marie Imbrova, the organiser of the auction said the money would go towards the Zimbabwe Red Cross Society. "We are hoping to raise another US$ 2 000 from auction which will then be channelled to Tengenenge Sculpture Community," she said...

Read more at www.herald.co.zw , www.allafrica.com

Home Archive 2010 | Projects 2010 | Press and Media 2010 | Photo Gallery 2010 | African Echoes 2010 | Site Map

free website counter

Back to content | Back to main menu