Admire Kamudzengerere Hails Cheuka Harare Art Fair as a Gateway to Zimbabwe’s Cultural Diversity

National Arts Merit Awards (Nama) winner Admire Kamudzengerere has praised the recently held Cheuka Harare Art Fair as a vital platform for celebrating and exploring the depth of Zimbabwe’s cultural diversity. The event, hosted at the Harare Show Grounds, attracted both seasoned art curators and emerging local talent, positioning itself as an important addition to the country’s creative calendar.

Kamudzengerere, who was also a co-organiser of the event, encouraged Zimbabweans to support future editions of the fair, describing it as a space that empowers artists while exposing audiences to the full spectrum of local creative expression. He pointed out that the Harare Show Grounds typically draw over 200,000 visitors during peak events, which provided the perfect audience crossover with the Nama23 showcase running concurrently.

Rooted in the Shona word cheuka, meaning “reflect,” “look back,” or “reconsider,” the fair invited Zimbabweans to pause and explore the journey of their artistic heritage. It served not only as a showcase but as a reflective space—examining the past, appreciating the present, and envisioning the future of Zimbabwean art.

“Our approach was not to dictate a particular creative direction,” Kamudzengerere explained. “Instead, we created space for multiple curators and collectives to present the diverse artistic expressions from their own environments.” He noted that the structure of the event took inspiration from global exhibitions such as the Cape Town Art Fair, where different communities bring their unique voices to a unified, dynamic platform.

He emphasized that traditional galleries are often bound by legal frameworks and privacy protocols, making them less accessible to emerging creatives. The Cheuka Harare Art Fair, by contrast, offers a more inclusive environment where visual artists can gain exposure, mentorship, and commercial opportunities.

The fair proved to be more than just an exhibition. Each canvas, sculpture, installation and performance stood as a statement of identity, memory and resilience. In a country where artists often navigate economic and political hurdles, Cheuka became a powerful testament to the perseverance and innovation within Zimbabwe’s creative industry.

Art enthusiast and participant Merilyn Mushakwe noted that the fair mirrors several globally successful exhibitions. “We want to extend visibility to studios and collectives across Zimbabwe. The Cheuka Harare Art Fair is a platform meant not just for local but also international artists looking to connect with Zimbabwe’s evolving art scene,” she said.

Among the standout showcases were the Mapondera Collection, featuring works by Kombo Chapfika, Amanda Shingirai Mushate, and Tamary Kudita. Gallery 33.0 focused on women in art with the theme Creating Space, highlighting artists such as Kundai Nathan, Shalom Kufakwatenzi, Mercy Moyo and Primrose Chiringandu. Meanwhile, Bepa Gallery presented Construct, a bold collection of works by Lomedy Mhako, Zibusiso Tshuma, Kressiah Mukwazhi, Samurai Farai and Ishmael Hajea Mposa.

As the Cheuka Harare Art Fair builds momentum, it promises to become a cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s visual arts landscape—fostering dialogue, elevating artists, and drawing new audiences into the rich tapestry of the country’s cultural story.