GYA Community Gallery: Friday, 7 September 2012

Malachi 3 by Zimbabwe Nkenya

GYA Community Gallery presents “Old and New Conjurings” an exhibit of paintings by Seitu James Smith and collages by Zimbabwe Nkenya, with an opening reception on Friday, September 7 from 6:30–9 PM.

Seitu James Smith’s and Zimbabwe Nkenya’s work will be on exhibit from September 6–30. GYA Gallery hours are Fridays 4–7 PM, Saturdays from 11 AM–4 PM, Sundays from 1–4 PM and by appointment. Refreshments will be served and Nkenya’s CD’s, Seitu’s paintings and prints, and a variety of fine art and craft items will be available for sale.

Zimbabwe Nkenya is best known for his work as a musician on acoustic bass and mbira, and music is what defines his work as a visual artist. His collages feature original drawings and rare photographs combined with imagery of African and African American musicians. Each piece exudes a dense rhythmic energy that echoes the best of the structured improvisation that characterized hiwork as a musician and composer. Nkenya has described his work as encompassing “all the music”.

Seitu came up at a time when the Black Arts and Liberation Movements were alive and thriving. Seitu's own revolutionary style, which can be classified as neo-surrealism, combines simple yet complex details, using bold colors and lyrical yet structured lines to create intricate tapestries that engulf the senses; taking viewers on a fanciful journey. “Zimbabwe’s inspiration and my inspiration are basically the same,” says Seitu. “My work is essentially music on canvas.”

Yeyo Arts Collective
2700 Locust (two blocks west of Jefferson)
314-995-9570