Exhibition to honour Zim, European Union relations

The exhibition is a gesture of honour to the relationship between Zimbabwe and the European Union (EU) over the years as well as fundraise for the NGZ.
A statement from the National Gallery indicated that artistes from across the country were invited to participate in the exhibition “to illustrate and explain the value of the work in Zimbabwe by the EU from the artiste’s creative point of view using their choice of media”.
The EU will award the top three works with prize money to the tune of US$500, US$350 and US$150 respectively.
In the works to be exhibited, artistes will reveal and revisit the historical and geographical background of the EU giving detail to the symbolism of its flag, its colours, map, the stars, structure, borders, passport, currencies and commonalities while exploring the relations between EU and Zimbabwe.
The EU is a grouping of 27 European countries whose flag symbolises the unity and integrity of its members. The number of the stars on the map was adopted because 12 is considered a symbol of perfection. The circle of stars represents harmony among the people of the organisation.
According to the statement, Continental Dialogues aims to  celebrate the EU residency in Zimbabwe by inviting local artistes, both emerging and professionals, to explore and develop their own interpretation of the theme.
In June 2008 the EU, together with other cultural organizations, held a photographic competition and exhibition on environmental issues titled Art for Life. The photographs pointed out the celebration or negation of the environment in picture form. In Continental Dialogues the incorporation of the EU and Zimbabwean imagery into the works paves way for issues about the EU identity and how they are relevant in Zimbabwean discourses.
Some of the works to go on show are Charles Kamagwana’s Just a Ride, a collage of colours that portrays a social statement of two men riding their bicycles along a narrow road while chatting. It explores the idea that some problems are better left behind the walls and when people come together, they should work towards a common goal.
In Calvin Chimutuwah’s Stary Circle, the use of silver strokes and a touch of blue accompanied by a visual of children drawing the EU golden stars and the Zimbabwean bird at the centre of the circle, demonstrates and strengthens the existence of the union between the Zimbabwe and EU.
Lin Barrie brings to this exhibition a painting titled Zimbabwe/EU Food Security-Wildlife Animal Conflict, an illustration of an elephant towering over a woman sitting on the ground next to some traditional refreshments and vegetables. Also appearing in the painting are the 12 gold stars.
The works will be auctioned on the evening of the March 25. All proceeds from the auction will benefit the artistes and the NGZ.
Tickets for the auction can be bought at Alliance Francaise, Book Café, Doon Estate, EU offices, NGZ, Picture Frame Newlands and Zimbabwe German Society.