Hosted by Misheck Masamvu
To conclude his six-week residency, Misheck Masamvu invited guests to his studio at the G.A.S. Farm House in Ijebu, where he spent most of his time developing a new body of work for his upcoming solo exhibition amidst the rich agricultural landscape. During this intimate gathering, Misheck presented a walkthrough of the works on canvas he developed throughout his residency, sharing insights into his creative process.
He offered a comprehensive overview of his artistic practice, highlighting how deeply he immersed himself in the environment that intersects with agricultural life. Misheck discussed the positive transformations in his work, reflecting on how the natural surroundings inspired new ideas and techniques. He also detailed his experiences, including distractions from insects and fluctuations in inspiration related to the brightness and warmth of the environment. These factors influenced the diversity of his paintings, resulting in some pieces being lighter than previously shown works.
Looking ahead, Misheck expressed his plans to exhibit these ambitious paintings, which capture evolving themes and experiences central to his practice during his solo presentation next year at Goodman Gallery, the show promises to be a compelling bridge between his recent creative explorations in Nigeria and his roots in his hometown, Harare.
EVENT DETAILS
Date: 3rd October 2024
Time: 12:30pm
Location: G.A.S. Farm House, Ecology Green Farm, Yinka Shonibare CBE Street, Off Omu Ijebu Road.
ABOUT MISHECK MASAMVU
Misheck Masamvu (b. 1980, Penhalonga, Zimbabwe) explores and comments on the socio-political setting of post-independence Zimbabwe, and draws attention to the impact of economic policies that sustain political mayhem. Masamvu raises questions and ideas around the state of ‘being’ and the preservation of dignity. His practice encompasses drawing, painting and sculpture.
Masamvu studied at Atelier Delta and Kunste Akademie in Munich, where he initially specialised in the realist style, and later developed a more avant-garde expressionist mode of representation with dramatic and graphic brushstrokes. His work deliberately uses this expressionist depiction, in conjunction with controversial subject matter, to push his audience to levels of visceral discomfort with the purpose of accurately capturing the plight, political turmoil and concerns of his Zimbabwean subjects and their experiences. His works serve as a reminder that the artist is constantly socially-engaged and is tasked with being a voice to give shape and form to a humane sociological topography. In 2020, Masamvu took part in the 22nd Biennale of Sydney.
Masamvu’s work has been well-received and exhibited in numerous shows including Armory Show 2018, Art Basel 2018, Basel Miami Beach 2017, 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair New York 2016, São Paulo Biennale 2016, and the Venice Biennale, Zimbabwe Pavillion 2011.
Misheck’s residency is generously supported by Goodman Gallery.