Female visual arts are expected to showcase their works at Chiphadzuwa Exhibition which started on Saturday at Kaliso Art Gallery, Four Seasons Garden in Lilongwe.
The second edition of the exibition, expected to run up to March 30, has brought together nine female visual artists.
The annual event held in celebration of Women’s Month, aims to empower women in visual arts and highlight their contributions to the creative industry.
Speaking during the opening, Kaliso Art Gallery founder and exhibition organiser Evelyn Chisambilo said they want to create a platform for female artists to freely express themselves and gain recognition.
“The country has a lot of amazing female visual artists who deserve to be given space to show their work and be supported,” she said.
Chisambilo said the space has allowed them to interact and put more effort into their crafts.
“The more we do these exhibitions, the more the artists start to see that their work can go across the world. We hope this inspires the new generation of visual artists,” she said.
Special adviser to the President on creative industries Q Malewezi said such platforms are crucial in encouraging women to thrive in the arts.
“Not many femal names come to mind when we talk about visual artists. What is happening here is writing history,” he said.
Malewezi also urged Malawians to support artists by purchasing their work instead of just admiring it.
“Art should not only be appreciated, it should be bought. That is how artists are supported,” he said.
One of the exhibitors, Tapiwa Mlinga, said she has connected well with other female artists, which has given her the opportunity to grow as an artist
“I love working with other female artists. Being in this space allows me to learn from them and expand my network. Women have interesting minds which make it easy to collaborate,” she said.
The opening night was spiced up with music performances by Neo Metalz and Chikondi Wiseman.
After opening the exhibition, the audience walked around, admiring the artworks and asking artists about the stories behind their canvases.
