Gallery Delta’s co-founder Derek Huggins said the main objective of the exhibition was to stimulate and give encouragement to young and aspiring artists and also to assess progress and discover new and promising talent.
Approximately forty young artists attended the selection process of which some sixty works comprising paintings, graphics, ceramics and mixed media sculptures were selected for inclusion in the exhibition. Of the artists selected nine are female, a marked increase from the previous years.
Among the talented young artists exhibiting their works are Grace Nyahangare, Epheas Maposa, Tinotenda Chivhinge, Naume Chaota, Tendai Mupita, Sybil Pote and Ronald Mutemeri.
In a speech at the official opening of the exhibition, Ambassador of Switzerland to Zimbabwe and Malawi, H.E Mrs Ruth Huber encouraged the young artists to keep working on developing their craft, taking it a step at a time and being resolute towards becoming established artists.
“This exhibition gives the young artists a chance to be recognised, to exhibit and to be part of the arts field in Zimbabwe and beyond. Becoming a successful artist is no easy walk. Those who reach the rarefied art world of regional and international galleries typically arrive there after long periods of hard work and soul-searching,” said Ambassador Huber.
The Ambassador also took the opportunity to bid farewell after announcing that she will be leaving Zimbabwe at the end of February for another assignment in Berne, Switzerland.
“I feel sad to announce that this is my last exhibition to preside on behalf of the Government of Switzerland as I will be leaving Zimbabwe already next week for another assignment in our Headquarters in Berne.”
“The Swiss Embassy has already assured its support to two other exhibitions for Gallery Delta during this year, continuing our long-standing partnership. I am optimistic that my successor will continue with the support to Gallery Delta into the future. For me personally it has been a great honour interacting with artists from Zimbabwe especially through Gallery Delta. To Gallery Delta and the artists, I wish you all the very best,” noted Ambassador Huber.
The exhibition will be running until mid-March and it paves way for Johnson Zuze exhibition.
