Kambalu opens new arts gallery

Visual artists in the country now have additional space to showcase their framed artworks following the establishment of a new gallery in Lilongwe.

The gallery, which will be officially opened on September 11 at Four Seasons Garden, is a brain child of visual artist Elson Kambalu.

He said the new gallery is dedicated to promoting framing within the bigger realm of art.

“The idea behind the Savannah Art Framing is to cater for communities around the area that walk distances for gallaries. We will also be showcasing works by prominent artists such as scriptures and prints,” said Kambalu.

He said the gallery will be focusing on framing because currently there is a growing demand for such kind of art.

“There is a lot of art being bought on the street and art shops across the country. Some are bought by visitors or are being imported. All these require framing. The new gallery hopes to meet those demands,” he said.

Kambalu said artists will be represented in the gallery as long as they create something ‘fresh’.

“It is a difficult time for artists considering the advent of Covid-19. The industry heavily relies on tourism and things have been hard. People have been restricted when it comes to movement and so we thought of adding gallery space as one way of bringing art pieces closer to the people,” he said.

Kambalu said they are developing a website that will showcase all the works that they have in the gallery.

The news of the exhibition place which adds to the growth of spaces dedicated to the promotion of visual art in Malawi has excited some fans.

Commenting on the development, arts enthusiast Jeff Kaira said: “Definitely a better place. More exposure and closer proximity to the ideal market.”