Rock paintings of Mwela
Five kilometers from Kasama, the Mwela Rock Paintings site occupies a natural area. One thousand examples of rock art constitute one of the largest and most significant collections of ancient art on the continent. Dating from the Stone Age, the oldest paintings are the work of hunter-gatherers (between 6,000 and 10,000 years B.C.). Some of the works are composed of abstract motifs, while others show human and zoomorphic figures. A great sense of movement characterizes most of the naturalistic scenes.
Traditional African art
In African art, the mask plays multiple roles. Whether its function is mystical, social or political, its style obeys codes specific to each ethnic group. Made of natural materials, it is inspired by nature. The hair can be made of wicker balls. The mask, like Zambian statuary, is enriched by stylistic variants resulting from encounters between the populations. The Zambian creations are essentially of exceptional quality. The details and the balance of the features are meticulously crafted.
The mask dictates a behavior. Carved in wood, it is worn at important moments: to celebrate an event, to render justice, to accompany puberty, birth or death, among others.
In Zambia, Bantu traditions concern several ethnic groups. Among the Chokwe, Luvale, Lunda, Luchasi and Mbunda, the masks are the "makishi". The sculptor refers to the mask as "the head", worn by "the body". The wearer, who dances to embody the ancestral spirit, is only an intermediary. This is why he is in no way responsible for his actions. The Chokwe have female masks, the Mwana Pwo, and male ones, the Cihongo. They are completed by specific costumes. The likisho mask represents virility, thus strength, abundance and fertility.
Luvale masks have a high forehead, pronounced eyebrows and a long thin nose. The cheeks are marked by scarification marks. In warrior societies, the mask is menacing, as in the Salampasu tribe. A model with an emaciated face, pointed teeth, a bulbous nose and large cavernous eyes is used for initiation rites. Some of them are so feared that they scare away women and children.
The statuary obeys the same naturalistic codes. The proportions emphasize the essential as shown in the Chokwe maternity statues. A peaceful woman with a protruding chest is breastfeeding her baby.
Beginning of the painting
Until recently, there were no schools for budding artists to train in. The few exhibition spaces were galleries run by the artists themselves.
In this context, Stephen Kappata, born in 1936 during the British occupation, showed himself curious about everything from childhood and gifted in drawing. It wasn't until the 1980s that he had the opportunity to exhibit abroad. His naive and colorful style seduces with its humorous touches.
His work revolves around three themes: Zambian culture, the occupation, and everyday scenes. The symbols of colonization, depicted with a satirical eye, are scattered throughout his paintings. He is the spokesman for a people who aspire to regain control of their territory. His simple and accessible line, as well as his colorful palette, contribute to the popularity of this major artist.
A self-taught painter and sculptor, Enock Ilunga is inspired by everyday life. Born in 1954, he adds an abstract note to his paintings. His sculptures are made of metal. It is in Sweden and Norway that his paintings meet with success. However, Enock Illunga deplores the fact that Zambian artists lack the structures to make a career. In fact, national museums such as the Lusaka Museum or the Livingstone Museum are difficult to access for the visitor, and reserve little space for contemporary creation.
Nowadays
The emerging cultural scene is supported by a few foundations. START offers exhibitions and residencies in the Kabulonga neighborhood. In recent decades, art studios and schools have opened, with sculpture continuing to occupy a prominent place. Wooden statuary remains popular. Two sculptors dominate the Zambian school: Friday Tembo and Flinto Chandia. These two very talented artists, internationally recognized, have developed very assertive styles that are very much appreciated by the general public.
Born in Lusaka and dying prematurely, Friday Tembo was a self-taught sculptor. However, he perfected his technique by participating in residencies, notably in London at Gasworks Studios. He received the prized Ngoma Award, given annually by the National Arts Council of Zambia to a national artist. In 2019, the award went to N'gandwe Mwaba, born in 1982 in Kitwe, thus selected for an official exhibition in Israel. His lanky figures are halfway between tribal art and abstraction. In Zambia, he subsequently exhibited at the 37D Gallery as well as the Henry Tayali Gallery in Lusaka and the Livingstone Museum.
Mulenga artist Jestina Mulenga, born in 1987, is a painter, writer, sculptor and photographer. Installations and performances complete her approach. She is also involved in cultural management. She is an active member of the Insaka International Artists Trust and works at the Lusaka AAWW - Art Academy Without Walls. Her paintings are characterized by knife strokes that cut through the material, and by her primary colors. She questions the representation of the black woman's body through history, in a post-colonial Zambia. Invited to exhibit throughout Africa, she participates in residencies in Europe.
Places of contemporary creation
The Zambian art market is in full mutation. Talents are encouraged by more and more initiatives. Collaborative projects are particularly appreciated by artists.
The Lusaka Contemporary Art Center (LuCAC) will be dedicated to Zambian creation when it opens in 2023. This private foundation will include a gallery, a library and an artists' residence. Its main objective is to encourage the emergence of new talent, with respect to all disciplines and origins.
The 37D Gallery continues its actions in favor of the visual arts. Recognized artists and talents of tomorrow ensure the dynamism of this institution's program.
Nowadays, public art is widespread in Zambia as in most African countries. In Lusaka, however, it has only recently found its way onto the walls.
If you're in Lusaka in the weeks leading up to the holiday season, plan a stop at the ZADS - Zambian Art & Design Show. Ideal for arty shopping! For a few days, the event usually takes place at East Park Mall. The entrance is free. The small number of exhibitors includes local artists and artisans: artworks, decorative objects and unique jewelry. Nothing but quality and originality!
Street-art
The rise of urban art in Lusaka is a result of the influence of Western fashions. Graffiti, once associated with vandalism and violence, has gained popularity. In addition, art materials have become more affordable, and private commissions have increased. Nowadays, many companies hire graffiti artists to embellish their walls and premises. This can be seen by walking through Oxfam along Zambezi road. Graffiti artists are also invited to participate in the revalorization of the neighborhoods. To this end, the National Heritage Conservation Commission and the National Arts Council have recently commissioned street artists.
One of the first frescoes painted in the capital adorns the façade of Mutaba House, which houses the Barclays Bank on the corner of Katondo street and Cairo road.
Let's stay on Cairo Road, on the north side, to admire the Toyota Mural that marks the offices of the headquarters of Toyota Zambia. In addition to several models of cars bearing the name of its model, robots, flowers, men and women in moments of everyday life, as well as wild animals are painted in an explosion of bright colors. The huge mural seems to come to life as you drive by. Completed in April 2018, the work is the result of a collaboration between London Kamwendo and Dwain Whitaker. These are the names to remember, from the first steps of public art in the Zambian capital.
Dwain Whitaker, born in Zimbabwe, grew up in Zambia. During his childhood, he discovered street-art while watching a documentary. The click occurs. In 2009, he moved to Lusaka and met his partner London Kamwendo. The latter arrives at urban art by drawing. A meeting with a South African graffiti artist decided him to develop this mode of expression. For the duo, the art of graffiti is intended to be seen by the greatest number of people and to fill the gaps left in the public space.
Water is celebrated every year on March 22, World Water Day. The director of Zambia Breweries marked the occasion by inviting street artists to paint the tanks of the Mungwi Road factory. On one of them, the slogan "Water is Life" can be read among elephants, an eagle... and a tap. By all accounts, the result is impressive. The artists, for their part, are delighted with the opportunity. Zambia Breweries has succeeded in alerting the population to the need to preserve water. The immediate and appealing medium of art reminds people that our natural resources are precious.
