Madlozi Contemporary Art Gallery | Jambanja, Urban Chaos Interrupted

Madlozi Contemporary Art proudly presents 'JAMBANJA: Urban Chaos Interrupted", a critically acclaimed solo exhibition by talented Zimbabwean-born abstract expressionist painter, George Masarira.

The exhibition, in partnership with Constitutional Hill, aims to engage local and international audiences in important and topical themes expressed through Masarira's work. The body of work captures the human experiences of millions of Africans who undergo forced and economic migration annually, residing in countries like South Africa as undocumented and 'stateless' persons, compromising their humanity and dignity. Migration, officially the world's biggest and fastest-growing humanitarian crisis according to the UN, affects millions globally, seeking safety and asylum.

Masarira's compelling paintings are available for viewing by appointment or online on Latitudes. For appointment, please contact the gallery via madloziart@outlook.com.

ABOUT THE EXHIBITION | George Masarira (b1990)

George Masarira, a Zimbabwean-born abstract expressionist painter, explores the socio-cultural and economic impact of cross-border migration in African cities on refugees, asylum seekers, and economic migrants. His paintings depict the lives and experiences of these individuals, using abstraction to address critical themes affecting the undocumented and marginalized on the continent.

Masarira's work is an examination of the human spirit and survival, focusing on the emotions, invisibility, and challenges faced by the urban and working poor. He spent extensive time in cities across South Africa and Zimbabwe, engaging with immigrant families and communities, shedding light on the disruption, danger of xenophobic violence, and economic hardships they endure.

ARTIST STATEMENT | 'JAMBANJA, Uban Chaos Interrupted'

‘My work in the exhibition draws inspiration from my observations of urban realities on modern African cities - places of economic disorder, hardship, adaptability, big dreams, and even illusion. I set out to explore the human spirit's resilience in the face of adversity, the ingenuity born from the heart of Chitugwidza, Zimbabwe, a place named Jambanja, synonymous with chaos. Jambanja, an informal market for trading goods, becomes a metaphor for the chaos of governments in Africa, defining communities and controlling access. The chaos is informed by new rules of engagement, hierarchies of value, and the importance of money and power.

The proliferation of people forced to adapt reveals their movement, voices, ambition, and shouts, making Jambanja a poignant representation of the state of our country. In a broader context, our nation resembles this open market space, citizens hustling on a figurative pavement to secure survival. Jambanja - a lively & exciting exploration of abstract expressionism that expands the canon of artist in this genre on the african continent. A commitment to creating socially-engaged visual art.’

Reflecting on his new work and solo exhibition, Masarira states: ‘The parallel between Jambanja and the current state of the country is striking. Zimbabwe itself has come to resemble these market spaces where people metaphorically set up their pavement stalls to exchange whatever they can in their relentless pursuit of survival.’ The exhibition delves into the heart of this tumultuous journey, drawing parallels with similar informal settlements across South Africa. Through various artistic expressions, Masarira explores the resilience and adaptability of these communities, shedding light on the shared human experience that transcends borders. Jambanja is a testament to the indomitable spirit of the people who transform chaos into art and survival into hope.

It invites you to witness and reflect on the unbreakable quality of resilience in us. Survival and our shared humanity are universal connection binding us all in this intricate dance of life. Masarira believes his solo exhibition connects with the public in very personal ways, communicating the struggles he sees and identifies with in his extended community. As African, we cannot be at ease when others around us suffer injustices such as poverty and violence.

‘I am mainly inspired by contemporary events unfolding around me in the world, enveloping me and others – the politics, economic issues, religion, the search for hope, to belong, to survive. My artworks describe the urgency and potency within every life I encounter, the eyes and what I feel to be the truth, and a sense of justice, of humanity. I capture the rawness and the reality of this mode of living, as an act of defiance over economic inequity. I refrain from art that does not speak to the heart and mind’. – George Masarira