Mineral art on show in Lilongwe next week

Malawi, just like other countries in the region, sits on a stretch mineral resources bed.

So many types of rare earth stones remain uncultivated.

Talk of rose quartz, one of the least valuable of Malawi’s semi-precious stones, or aquamarine, amethyst, citrine, tourmaline, as well as more precious varieties such as rubies and sapphires.

So, imagine experiencing sparkling gems in diverse colours and shapes on showcase, allowing people time to view priceless minerals and gems up close and personal—stepping into a glittering world of colour and light in a stylishly presented mineral exhibition that features some of the finest mineral specimens locally.

All this will be a reality when photographer and small-scale gemstone dealer Paul Machira hosts a photography and minerals exhibition.

Dubbed Majesty, 11 photos and five sculpture made from Malawi’s minerals will be on display on April 22 at Ad Lib Restaurant in Lilongwe.

Taken over a period of five years, the images capture some of the diversity, colours, sights and excitement of Malawi’s best gems.

“The photos specifically were taken in a period of three years. The minerals have been gathered in two years. I have always been inspired by people and nature. I find nature fascinating in that it holds answers to all questions, only that we don’t pay attention to it.

“In Majesty, I captured some of the most beautiful places in Malawi and interesting subjects. From Cape Maclear, Dzalanyama Forest to Lengwe National Park and Soche Mountain, the images will make one appreciate them, depending on one’s belief in God or nature,” said Machira.

The idea, he says, is to promote Malawi’s minerals.

“Having ventured into mining minerals, it has been an opening to an amazing world of stones which have different meaning and uses apart from just ‘bling bling’. The will be different stones such as amethyst, rhodolite, green sapphire, black tourmaline, epidote, rose quartz and more. I will exhibit the stones in their raw form, with their uses. There will also be gemstone products on sale on the night,” explained Machira.

Michael Khumalo, an experienced stone sculptor, will also show case his work on the night.

“Michael’s work has been shown around the world, in Europe, China and the US,” he stated. n