By Jimmy Chazama:
Visual artists stepped out with quality creations, with some sparking conversations at the 12th edition of the biannual Art in the Park.
The artists also made a call to Malawians to buy beyond exhibitions to sustain the industry.
Held at Four Seasons in Lilongwe, the three day event, led by Wildlife Society of Malawi (Wesm), kicked off on Friday and ended Sunday.
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Charcoal artist Timothy Kamayi said they were happy with the support received from people from the first day, with many patrons buying their artworks.
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“We want this support to go beyond the exhibitions. Malawians should start buying artworks through galleries. That way, the industry will keep growing,” Kamayi said.
He said apart from providing entertainment, the artworks on display reflected resilience and research.
Zomba- based artist Mbanase Nyirenda said Malawians needed to change their mindset on buying artworks, saying they should not only target exhibitions.
“We have galleries out there and Malawians need to patronise them to buy artworks and decorate their walls,” Nyirenda said.
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Speaking during the launch of the event on Friday, Deputy Director of Arts in the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture MacDonald Maluwaya hailed visual artists for displaying quality artworks.
“Visual artists are now going deeper with their artworks by tackling issues that are affecting society. We are getting there and I am happy that some artworks were sold for more than K2 million,” Maluwaya said.
He said the government was committed to supporting the creative sector, with the National Arts and Heritage Council (Nahec) set to be established, while working with Unesco to reclaim lost artifacts.
Wesm Chairperson Nick Hall said part of the proceeds realised during Art in the Park would help establish wildlife clubs in schools.
“Artists have improved year after year and this edition has some of the most impressive works we have seen. This growth strengthens fundraising [activities] because buyers invest when they see quality,” Hall said.
Standard Bank plc Chief Executive Phillip Madinga said they were happy to support the exhibition with K20 million through the Joy of the Arts initiative.
“We, as a bank, will always support the creative sector and, as for visual arts, we always buy artworks every year to display in our facilities,” Madinga said.
He said blank walls needed to be decorated with paintings that were there to tell Malawi’s stories.
The setup at the event was impressive from Friday through to Sunday, with pathways lined up—with canvases and sculptures each carrying its own voice.
With its theme focusing on environmental conservation, 47 artists exhibited works.
