Sibling duos have dominated arts and entertainment for as long as one can remember. Talent really does run in the family, that’s the beauty of genetics.
Footballers Adam and Peter Ndlovu are perhaps the most memorable brothers to many Zimbabweans. Sungura lovers will speak of Mark and Phillip Ngwazi, while film fanatics will mention Nick and Shem Zemura.
In visual art, we have our very own Hugh and Lionel Mbayiwa.
Having developed their talents and portfolios together and apart over the years, their first two-man exhibition, entitled Dzemudanga, opened at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe in Harare this Thursday. The exhibition is made possible, in part by The Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Zimbabwe, Nhaka Life Assurance, Morgan & Co and Club Joy Centre.
The brothers, Hugh, who practices in Harare, and Lionel, based in Cape Town South Africa; presented a new body of work spanning the course of the last two years. The work offers their trademark execution as well as experimental compositions that are sprawling with color, transfiguration and mythos.
Hugh; the elder of the two has presented themes that capture the Zimbabwean idyll, with depictions of rustic subjects at its core, or a veer-off into abstraction, while maintaining his signature contrasted palette of strong cool tones and earthy warm hues.
He uses acrylic, oil paint and mixed medium on board or canvas with bright and vibrant colours intermingled with tiny detailed designs.
Hugh’s work previously had a dominant rural and nature as a subject matter which could clearly be attributed to his rural upbringing. But as of now, there has been a huge transformation as Hugh has expanded his medium base into contemporary abstracts. As a result, more sculptures and recycled and installation material have emerged. The work can be figurative or landscaped.
He describes his art and style as a means of communication. He strongly believes that art is a language which he fortunately can speak almost fluently. He takes advantage of this gift to explore and live in his own creative world.
Lionel, the younger of the Mbayiwa artists, creates art depicting a world in flux, where fauvist form inhabits the landscape with humanoid features. This approach hints to migration from space to space, as reflected to the artist’s personal experience.
Lionel’s artwork highlights the Shona culture’s deep connection to the land, as it holds significant significance in their identity, history, and spirituality. The land is seen as a vessel of spiritual energy and ancestral dwelling place, with ancestors guiding and protecting them.
His artistic approach, thus, serves as a powerful tool in preserving history, passing down knowledge, and connecting generations within Shona culture.
Over the years, the Mbayiwa brothers have grown through experimentation and exposure to different communities and cultures. With Dzemudanga, the brothers are bridging the present and the past, while facilitating an understanding and appreciation of cultural heritage.
Dzemudanga opened to the public on Friday the 4th of July, and will be on show until 4 August.
