Visual art is no longer left behind

Over the weekend, Pan African Learning and Growth Network (PALGNET) and Plan International Malawi honoured various women in their respective fields. In the arts, visual artist Evelyn Chisambiro was honoured with the Woman of Substance Award for her outstanding work as a gallerist and advocate against gender-based violence. Our arts editor EDITH GONDWE caught up with Chisambiro to discuss her award and what makes her stand out.  

Q

: How did you react after being named as one of the women of substance? 

A

: To truly be honest, it caught me by surprise. I had no clue the awards were taking place until I was contacted about my nomination two weeks prior to the ceremony. It felt so surreal at first, like a dream and I felt all sorts of emotions. It also served as a reminder that people are watching and notice our efforts even when we don’t know who those people are. It goes to show that visual art is no longer the left behind field in arts. It is getting the recognition it deserves too. Receiving this award is not just for me, but an award for all dreamers, all people chasing after their passion in visual arts.

Q

: As a female visual artist, what are the joys and challenges that comes with the territory?

A

: Being a woman doing anything male-dominated is a challenge in itself. Not because you are challenged in any way or incapable or less skilled, but because people think and some treat you like you should be. Some people expect you to be good, but not better. They expect you to hit some marks but not all. They think you should conform, do well, but not too well. In short it is a mindset issue and an acceptance issue that women are born capable to do just as well as men in any field. I, however, enjoy proving that I can. I also enjoy that my peers have embraced me so well in the industry and I have worked well with the majority of them. I also fully appreciate the role we, the female artists are playing in changing the mindset I have mentioned by being good enough.

Q

: What can you say to fellow artists trying to make a breakthrough in the industry?

A

: Have faith in yourself first and foremost. The skill takes time to develop so be patient with yourself. Do not compare yourself to anyone in the field, you are unique in your own way. If you find someone you admire in the field ask them what they were painting or singing when they first started and you will see that art is about practice and time. So, give yourself credit you are doing well. Have some people who inspire you, but spend more time developing to become your own artist with your own touch and do not copy their work to detail. It is ok to use it to learn, but because each artist is well known by their own identity you should eventually develop your own too. Give yourself enough grace; It’s absolutely fine if at times you do not feel like creating, or if you feel like you aren’t improving. Every artist goes through that phase be patient with yourself. Lastly, you are doing better than you think, well done. These are things I remind myself time and again too.

Q

: Give us a brief background and what you are currently doing in the arts industry?

A

: I started to draw when I was eight, but did not pursue it further after secondary school. I went on to become an accountant, but still felt like I was not fully living in my purpose. In 2016, I decided to go back to my passion and taught myself how to paint. It’s been a series of self learning ever since then. I have displayed my art at different local exhibition such as Art in the Park in Lilongwe. However, after the exhibitions were done, I met a challenge of lack of spaces to display and sell my art. After speaking to my fellow artists, I found out that this challenge was across the sector. In finding a solution to this problem, I opened an art gallery in Lilongwe in April 2022. The art gallery which is called Kaliso Art Gallery is situated along Mchinji Road soon after Petroda and is home to over 50 different artworks. Besides this, I am also passionate about ending injustices in our country and use my art to advocate for gender equality. Under this initiative, I have worked with fellow visual arts on 16 days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence in Malawi by painting murals in three districts in Malawi.