NHAKA GALLERY JUBILEE EXHIBITION CELEBRATES ZIMBABWEAN ARTISTRY

Friday, October 31, 2025, marked a profound moment for the Zimbabwean art community as the Nhaka Gallery, formerly known as the iconic Gallery Delta, opened its Jubilee Retrospective Exhibition. The event, titled “Nhaka Delta Gallery Jubilee: 50 Years of African Contemporary Art,” was a dual celebration—honouring five decades of artistic legacy and offering well-deserved appreciation to the artists who continue to shape Zimbabwe’s creative landscape.

The gallery, now operating under the Women’s Gallery Arts and Research Trust, is committed to preserving the vision of its founders, Helen Lieros and Derek Huggins, who established Gallery Delta in 1975. This exhibition showcased the rich heritage and evolving narratives of African art, featuring a diverse collection from renowned Zimbabwean artists, emerging talent from across Africa, and members of the African diaspora. Highlights included a retrospective of iconic works, new commissions, and interactive installations, all focused on the theme: “Explore the Rich Heritage of African Art.”

A particularly encouraging aspect of the evening was the formal recognition of artists. Among those celebrated was accomplished painter Batsirai Muskwe, who received a Certificate of Appreciation in the category of Best Established in Painting. The award recognized his “sustained excellence, mastery, and influence” in the field.

“Friday the 31st of October marked a celebration day for the present day Nhaka gallery formerly Gallery Delta… It was also a day the artists were appreciated by various certificates, I for one was among those who were appreciated, which was an encouraging gesture to know that the efforts are being recognized, I am grateful,” remarked Muskwe. His gratitude highlights the vital role such recognition plays in the arts sector.

Muskwe, who began painting professionally in 1995 and whose work is often inspired by tribal masks and Shona sculptures, embodies the gallery’s mission to blend traditional themes with a contemporary flair. The Jubilee exhibition, located at 110 Livingstone Avenue, Greenwood Park, Harare, stands as a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of Zimbabwean art, linking its illustrious past to a vibrant, creative future.