Visual artist Jimmy Malinga wrapped up his two-week solo exhibition called Language of Art on Saturday in Lilongwe with positive feedback from attendees.
Speaking in an interview on the last day of the exhibition, he expressed satisfaction with the public’s reception.
“I am quite happy with the response. People seem to be more open to engaging with art now more than ever which is very encouraging,” said Malinga.
He said unlike focusing on making sales during the exhibition, he emphasised that his goal was to communicate ideas through his art.
“I wanted people to understand that art is a language we can use to communicate how we feel. As an artist, I want my art to speak for me, because once you understand someone’s language, you understand who they are,” he said.
The exhibition stood out for its focus, offering workshops that encouraged families to bond over painting and other creative activities.
Malinga highlighted the importance of solo exhibitions in giving audiences an opportunity to experience an artist’s work free from the distractions of group displays.
“Solo exhibitions are important because they allow people to connect deeply with your work, without comparisons to others. This creates a personal dialogue between the artist and the audience,” he said.
The event also featured a section dedicated to children, where the artist noted that it is crucial to teach children art from a young age.
“It’s vital to nurture their creativity early so they can grow up appreciating and practising art,” he added.
Despite the success of his exhibition, Malinga called on more Malawians to support the local art industry. “We have the talent, but we need more support to grow the industry,” he appealed.
One participant, Mwayi Phiri hailed the initiative and described it as a wonderful family experience.
“We loved the experience. Malawians need to start taking more interest in art. Activities like these help families bond while exposing children to creativity. There is a need to support children who show interest in art. That’s how we build a culture that values creativity,” she said.
Language of Art showcased Malinga’s creative expression while demonstrating the potential of art to bring people together and inspire future generations.
