Paul displays his artwork
Local artist, Paul Muzefani is exhibiting his paintings entitled 'African Vibrancy' at the Woza Moya Gallery.
THE fascination of experimenting with colours was what inspired Paul Muzefani to pursue a career as an artist.
Just like many Zimbabweans, Paul moved to South Africa to showcase his talent and sell his work. This contributed to his growth as an artist. As a youngster, Paul said he used to sneak around his father’s paintings as he was also an artist.
“It use to fascinate me that he could mix two different colours, such as yellow and blue paint which turned into green.” He said at the age of 16, he started taking painting seriously and would hang his work around his home.
“My aunts and cousins loved my paintings and would take them and hang them in their homes. That is when I realised that I had a talent and I could make a living by painting,” said Paul.
His brother, who is also an artist invited him to South Africa to try and sell his work.
“It was really hard in the beginning, it took me a while to actually sell my art. I use to sell my work at the robots.”
Every day life, especially in the townships as there is lot of movement and vibrancy is what inspires Paul’s work.
“To see children playing in the streets and women carrying their babies on their backs impacts my style of painting.”
Paul said his mom who use to do crochet work so that they could have a normal life also pushed him to work hard and be able to provide for his family.
“No matter how difficult the situation is, people should keep trying and things will get better in the end,” said Paul.
Paul is exhibiting his paintings entitled ‘African Vibrancy’ at the Woza Moya Gallery at Woza Moya Embocraft, from Monday 17 October to Thursday, 17 November.
Paula Thomson, craft co-ordinator at Hillcrest AIDS Centre Trust said she has known Paul for several years and it has been a privilege to see how his work has developed and grown over the years and this is reflected in the exhibition.
“While we were setting up his exhibition, a bed and breakfast owner came in and was delighted to see the exhibition as he is the owner of five of Paul’s paintings.”
