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In 2012 Xen Arts organised its first  Art Exhibition of Zimbabwean art in none other than the sea-side village of Brancaster, Norfolk. The two-day event was a chance to exhibit work by Valentine, Marcus and other artists met on travels to Zimababwe. Held in the village hall, we had tea and cake at the ready to tempt in passer-by’s who were surprised to find bright, vibrant African art instead of the familiar watercolour landscapes. Since then we have held two more similar exhibitions in 2016/17 which have featured work kindly donated by local artists and sold to raise money for our arts projects in Zimbabwe. The exhibitions have been a merging of cultures through art building 'creative connections' and sharing stories.

Valentine is a self-taught painter who has been living and working in Mbare, one of Harare’s busiest, noisiest suburbs for most of his life. Now 38, he remembers a time when there were more opportunities for artists to make a living. Zimbabwe’s diminishing tourist trade has had a serious effect on artists who rely on the trade to make a living. People living in the suburbs are struggling to survive on a daily basis. Among the mayhem is a particular dusty backyard which provides an escape from the loud, chaotic reality of everyday struggles. Here Valentine passes on his skills and passion for painting to young guys in the neighbourhood. It inspires hope, lifts spirits and gives the young people a reason to get up and be motivated each day. 

As well as the Brancaster exhibition we were also very kindly given exhibition space in The Last Picture House Gallery in Holt. A big thanks to Carol Ann Pennington, artist and owner of the gallery for all her support.

 

Norfolk Art Exhibitions

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