Shucks it HAS been a while since I last posted on DOH. Time to get back into the mix and make a few observations on whats been happeing in the Art and Design world while I was gone. The land scape hasn't changed much in that its still tricky working as a freelance designer, more like a your Ronin (Lordless samurai back in the day).  Seems that our profession isn't taken that seriously (Not suprised this been Zimbabwe), but whats new? We live in interesting times to say the least and I look forward to grabbing the Bull by the horns. :)

Designers of Harare: Richard King

Designers of Harare: Richard King

Richard King

I had the pleasure of attending a solo art exhibition in Avondale this evening. It was being held in Farrell’s Avondale Branch showcasing the work of Richard King, a Zimbabwean artist born and bred here, working mainly in oils. He presented several new pieces and there was a pleasant mix of realism, landscape and equestrian pieces to cater to various tastes. There was enough to show that he has a good range of ideas that he draws from his life experiences to be able to transfer them onto canvas in exquisite detail.

Though the weather was pretty stormy there was a good attendance of people who came to view his work.  Already two pieces had been sold before the start of the event which bodes well for the artists prospect more of his pieces being purchased before the end. For more information on the Artist and his work visit is website at http://richardkingafrica.com. If ever he has a show on in Harare or elsewhere and you happen to be in the area, please do come and view his work up close, the images here don’t do his work justice one bit. J

Branding Zim

I would honestly like to know what thoughts my guys would have on branding for Zim. Whats being done right, if any? What isn't being done at all and should be? I had a breif  but great discussion with one Rudo Nyangulu who is an entrepreneur in her own right. People like her embody the hope of a better tomorrow for us in Zimbabwe, especially in developing a great identity. I believe we have the capacity to develop a great brand and its good to not only meet like minded individuals but also meet such individuals who are trying to do something about it. Keep an eye on this post I begin a follow up of short articles on this subject.

David Chinyama

With help of an acquaintance I had the privilege to meet and chat with David Chiyama, mixed media artist and designer, earlier this afternoon. I will try a few words to sum him up; down to earth, smart and gifted. He was so gracious as to take me to his residence and have a look at his latest commission that same afternoon. It was a huge piece of work, multiple and individual panels all going to one client (In total 9 pieces altogether,but you should have been there).

I really enjoy the fact that there are such talented guys here in Zim who keep working and perfecting their calling. He's been professionally around for nearly over a decade and has made a real name for himself in the local and international art scene. His pieces left me...uplifted, he really has a way with rich colours that reach out and grab you. There's such abstract art as to jolt the viewers focus and make little impact on their subconscious. His pieces ease you into them, giving a sense of being alive and tactile.

Showing examples on screen does not come close to doing justice, I highly recommend anyone interested in seeing his work to do so personally at National Gallery permanent collection and elsewhere. Here are a few links to help get you started and to provide more information about the artist/designer himself. As for me I will continue to follow his career closely, and hopefully invest in some of his pieces someday soon.

http://seedgallerynewyork.com/bio.david.html

http://www.blackart.co.za/category/david-chinyama/

http://www.nationalgallery.co.zw/

Looking East

Seriously considering China as an option for tshirts, at the least they make them, here its almost like some companies are practicing alchemy (experiments to make gold from mixing chemicals lead etc) , and we know that doesn't work. Its a shame really. :(

Zambia Tourism

Read up on a global competition to design anew brand identity for Tourism Zambia, from around 2000 entries 5 logos and slogans where short listed and one design/ slogan was picked. I reckon that whoever organized the comp would have had a better chance of sourcing from within the Zambian design community instead. For more info check the read the piece on the comp at this blog; logodesignlove.com

The Short list

 
The winning logo was created by Michel Scarantino.The logo is currently
being used on the Zambian Toursim website.