LOVEMORE KAMBUDZI (B. 1978)

Lovemore Kambudzi chronicles scenes of daily life in 21st century Zimbabwe, where he has earnt the nickname ‘The Eye of the People’ for his journalistic output. Satire and social commentary run freely through his work, which is created in a unique Pointillist style that he developed independently without having studied or looked at the Impressionists. His sprawling large-scale scenes offer insight into the complexities of everyday Zimbabwean life, with all its inherent triumphs and challenges. These works weave intricate stories of resilience, despair and humour, finding precedent in the works of Bruegel and Hogarth.
Need for Peace Through Unity in Diversity is a monumental and ambitious work, depicting an insurrection of the masses. Merciless police and soldiers overwhelm and pummel defenceless men and women, including a pregnant woman to the front right of the picture plane. Unity Day in Zimbabwe is the commemoration of the Unity Accord which ended hostilities in 1987. Zimbabwe, a country of cultural and tribal diversity, established this day of commemoration to move toward peace, prosperity and fair government. Kambudzi posits the notion that daily life in Zimbabwe in the 21st century is instead characterised by oppressive government and violent recriminations.
Lovemore Kambudzi was born in Harare, Zimbabwe. An artist since childhood, he studied for three years at the National Gallery studios in Mbare. He later developed a lasting association with Delta Gallery in Harare, led by Helen Leiros and Derek Huggins. Kambudzi has exhibited widely across Europe and the United States, as well as in his native Zimbabwe.