Chinhoyi University of Technology student, Nyasha Jeche, will open an art exhibition themed ‘Illusions’ at Joina City in Harare on November 8, 2016 at 4pm.
On why he chose the theme illusions, Jeche said, “An illusion is something that many people believe is true but is actually false, it is something that is not real although may appear that way. These illusions may come in the form of fantasies, fears, imaginations, hallucinations or dreams.”
“I chose this theme because I feel it reflects what goes on in life. In any society, humans lie and deceive each other to achieve a semblance of ‘perfection’ in the eyes of their contemporaries. Realities are hidden within and my exhibition will examine what people hide from each other based on myself, my observations on others and what others tell me about themselves.”
“There is a Shona proverb that says Chakafukidza dzimba matenga and it basically talks about how people hide their true selves from each other and display illusions to each other. As an artist, it is my duty to investigate and talk about these issues in public. Hiding the truth about ourselves from others, making others believe in our lies makes the liar eventually believe in the lie.”
“These lies consist of how people put on a brave face in public yet they have their demons chasing them; how every Sunday at church we pray for guidance and wisdom while others are evil inside. People put on makeup, fake nails, fake hair to deceive others and give an illusion of beauty. My exhibition neither condones nor condemns these practices but I am just addressing them to give way to a larger debate,” added Jeche.
On display at the exhibition will be paintings, photographs, 3 Dimensional works, prints, illustrations and more.
The exhibition serves to mark the completion of his honours degree at the university.
Jeche is a final year student at Chinhoyi University of Technology studying Bachelor of Science Honours degree in Creative Art and Design. He started his art journey at a tender age and held his first professional group exhibition at 16 at Gallery Delta in 2009. He then went to the National Gallery of Zimbabwe Visual Arts School that year and eventually ended up at Chinhoyi University.
