The Black History Month Collection 2015

Chaka Zinyembawww.chakanembiracreative.com

I dedicate this work in gratitude, to my wonderful family, for their continual support of my artistic development. A special thanks to my wonderful wife, Chiedza, who inspired me to start painting again, encourages me on a daily basis and is the sounding board for all my ideas and

artistic endeavours.

Artist Statement

This body of work represents the beginning of an ongoing inquiry into African history and the history of the African diaspora. I use scale, individual

portraiture and bright colors to demand the viewers attention and capture the aura of regality, pride and rightful belonging. In doing so, I aim to give often

overlooked individuals, the everyday individual, the chance to be acknowledged and celebrated. Much of my work is influenced by my

knowledge and experiences of Zimbabwe’s Shona culture, the African diaspora in North America, particularly in Canada and the misrepresentation of blacks

in the media.

While I took high school art classes in Zimbabwe, my home country, my style and technique are predominantly self taught and have developed somewhat organically over the past 2 years. Perhaps I could identify my style as leaning towards abstract-realism. My brushstrokes are at once jolting, striking,and have

a somewhat rebellious streak in them, resisting conventional approaches to depictions of the human form. The viewer is encouraged to simultaneously look

at each stroke individually and separately, yet as part of the whole. I have often observed viewers, myself included, moving back and forth in order to

view the paintings from various distances and scales.

An only son in a family of 5 children, and recently married, my work often reflects the ambition, character, and personalities of these

special women that make up a large part of my family. In addition I have found inspiration in the works of Jamaican artist, Tamara Natalie Madden.

Painting can be a highly spontaneous, emotional and reflexive process for me. My paintings often take a life of their own. As I paint, I often step back, stare at

the painting and ask “what story are you telling me? ” In that way I become the messenger for my own creations.

These paintings were first featured at the 2015 5 Artists 1 Love art exhibition, held at the Citadel Theater, in Edmonton, Alberta,Canada.

**Details about purchasing the paintings, prints or copies can be found on the last page.**

“Daisy” (30” X 40”, Acrylic on Canvas)$1000

Passion, beauty, potential, possibility, pride. These are all words that friends, family and those that have viewed Daisy have used to describe this creation. When I looked back at this piece, after a number of hours of intense-almost trance like painting, the painting had taken a life of its own. The message

coming across was “take pride in your skin, whatever color, rise above all and soar to your potential. Be in the moment, own it and make it yours.

Daisies are resilient and ecologically diverse flowers, existing in a large diversity of colors and species. Also known as asters (the Greek word ‘aster’

means ‘star’), daisies are well known for closing their eyes at night and opening them to the potential of the morning.

Every person, can choose to be a daisy.

“Daisy”

“The Seer” (30” X 40”, Acrylic on Canvas)$950

“The Seer”

“ ...and everywhere there was jubilation, a leader had been found, chosen by the ancestors. And people came from afar, to see him for themselves..and they sang songs of praise to the man who gave them truth, they would survive..

they would have life ” - Ancient Voices, Chiwoniso Maraire.

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The Seer is a tribute to the historical, spiritual (and often simultaneously political) leaders of African heritage. Often demonized and regarded as

primitive by contemporary societies, these leaders wielded great power and influence; they were visionaries, often warning communities of ill tidings or

bringing good news. At the risk of perhaps romanticizing these historical figures, I honor them for their crucial role in the history of African people. I

believe that honoring and accepting them for what they were, acknowledging both where they could have done better and where they

succeeded, is an important part of not only African history but the history of the human race.

“Ziva Kwaunobva (Remember Where You Are From” (30” X 35”, Acrylic on Canvas)$850

“Ziva Kwaunobva (Remember Where You Are From)”

"Ziva Kwaunobva, kwaunoenda husiku"- Shona Proverb

Remember where you are from, for you know not what lies ahead. Burn not the bridges and curse not your ancestors. Remember always your mother and father and, should you find success, share with them your success. There is no royal treatment in foreign lands but your wealth lies in your history. Be like the bird Sankofa - always looking back, yet, progressing, hindered not by the

past.

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“She looks alien,” a friend of mine commented. “I know,” I responded. For a reason yet known to me, I found myself letting the painting develop elements

of cubism in the human form and an edginess to the background, sharply interjecting and fracturing my notions of beauty and identity as I have previously expressed them in this series. Perhaps this is leading us in new direction in my work….What is beauty ? Is she beautiful? What does it

mean to be different ? As an African living in a predominantly caucasian society, difference is a part of my everyday experience. I look and often sound different. Sometimes this is celebrated, sometimes this is shunned. It is my hope

this painting helps us confront our notions of beauty and “otherness.”

“Untitled” (30” X 40”, Acrylic on Canvas)$950

“Untitled”

“She reminds me of Nanny of the Maroons,” said one viewer, another said it reminded her of her late mother. Personally, she reminds me of one of my cousins on my mothers side. I find that leaving work untitled allows the

viewer to interact with the work and name it for themselves. Perhaps they see themselves, or a loved one, or a historical figure.

This lady stands tall and proud, her colorful hair gives her a youthful element, the green hue speaks to life and vitality while touches of gold hint to royalty

and a lineage of kings and queens.

Purchasing

Original Artwork

● *Daisy (30” x 40”, Acrylic on Canvas): $1000● The Seer (30” x 40”, Acrylic on Canvas): $950● Ziva Kwaunobva (30” x 35”, Acrylic on Canvas) : $850● Untitled (30” x 40”, Acrylic on Canvas): $950

Custom Copies** (Digital Reproductions) on Canvas

● Limited to two per original painting, price is normally around $500 (shipping not included), but may vary slightly depending on specifications.

Prints:

● Signed, limited edition prints ( fits in a 16”x 20” frame, only 10 per original painting): $25***

How to purchase:

Etsy Shop: https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/ChakaneMbiraCreative

For inquiries or to make orders for original work, please e-mail: chaka.zinyemba@gmail.com or send me an inbox message on my Facebook Page: Chaka ne mbira

Payment Methods Include:

Cheque/Cash/Interac-Debit/Paypal/Credit Card

* Sold

**Prices do not include shipping (only available in Canada)

***Price does not include shipping (available to Canada and U.S.A)