Zuri Watu, Swahili for “lovely people,” is the brainchild of native Austinite David Leonard. While living in Africa, Leonard became fascinated by the people and culture in Stone Town, Zanzibar, an island off the coast of Tanzania — particularly the local artists and their work. So he decided to start a company that would work to promote contemporary African art as well as fair trade in Africa. On Friday March 2nd, Leonard opened his first art show, “Tales from a Kijiji: The Tanzanian Collection,” at Spa 700. Ongoing through March 17th, the show exhibits fifteen artist from Stone Town, the majority of whom work with acrylic on canvas, oil on canvas, and watercolor on paper. The collection constitutes the largest collection of original Tanzanian art in the world. Proceeds from the show will go towards funding an art institute in Stone Town and providing quality utensils and materials to aspiring artists in the area. The featured artists will in turn teach at the art institute for free.
I had never seen any contemporary African art, so I had no idea what to expect. Honestly, I was initially skeptical. But when I walked into the studio and saw works such as “Port of Zanzibar,” “Market,” and “Stone Town by Day,” I knew these were serious, talented artists. I learned over the course of the show that each of the featured artists are self-taught — an impressive fact that accentuated the quality of their work. Unlike Europe or America, centralized arbiters of art do not exist in much of Africa. These artists have therefore pursued and developed their own methodological idiosyncrasies. Their subjects, though widely varied, are all authentic — it’s not art for tourists. No matter who you are, something in this menagerie of techniques and subjects will appeal to you: wildlife, landscapes, cityscapes, seascapes, portraits, abstract works and depictions of everyday life. I went in as a skeptic and walked out having bought a painting.
The chance to see this kind of art in America is rare. Even more rare is the opportunity to open yourself to an entire continent of art. I recommend you check it out.
Gallery hours for “Tales from a Kijiji: The Tanzanian Collection”
- The exhibit is open every day until March 17th (Sunday–Thursday from 10am–5pm and Friday–Saturday from 12pm–8pm).
- A closing reception and silent auction will be held
Sunday, March 18thSaturday, March 17th, from 6pm–9pm. Bidding will begin at a minimum of 50% off. Free refreshments will be served.
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