Sharon Chitsa
Zimbabwe’s rich artistic heritage takes centre stage as Delta Gallery Nhaka presents Memory Down The Lane, an exhibition celebrating the contributions of some of the country’s most influential artists whose works have helped shape the nation’s visual arts landscape.
The exhibition, opening on Friday, 13 November 2026, at 5pm at Delta Gallery Nhaka, 110 Livingstone Avenue in Harare, brings together celebrated artists whose creative contributions extend beyond galleries and exhibition spaces into Zimbabwe’s cultural identity, architecture and everyday life.
Featuring works by Helen Lieros, Luis Meque, Alison Baker, Rashid Jogee, Richard Jack, Robert Paul, Thakor Patel, Arthur Azevedo, Kate Raath, Paul Wade and Matheus Nyaungwa, the exhibition offers an opportunity to reflect on the artistic journeys, influences and legacies that have contributed to the development of Zimbabwean art.
While each artist has made a distinctive contribution, the story of Thakor Patel offers an interesting perspective on how artistic creativity can influence public spaces and the built environment.
Born in Gujarat, India, Patel moved to Zimbabwe in 1980, where he established himself as an influential figure in the country’s artistic landscape before relocating to the United States in 2017.
His artistic contribution is not confined to paintings displayed in galleries. His work also found expression in public architecture, particularly through a mural commission at Causeway Building in Harare.
His contribution to the building’s design is also remembered through the distinctive jigsaw-puzzle designs on the post office boxes and the floodlighting outside the building, reflecting an era when artists were invited to contribute ideas to the development of public infrastructure.
Such engagements demonstrate how artists can influence the character of public buildings, transforming functional spaces into expressions of creativity and identity.
Another notable example of this artistic thinking is the use of Mutoko granite in Zimbabwean buildings and interiors.
Sculptor Tapfuma Gutsa is credited with drawing attention to the use of locally sourced granite, including its incorporation into the People’s Own Savings Bank (POSB) building and its counters.
Today, the use of granite in kitchens, buildings and other interior spaces reflects the continued appreciation of locally available materials and the possibilities of incorporating Zimbabwe’s natural resources into modern design.
These contributions demonstrate that Zimbabwe’s artistic heritage is not limited to paintings, sculptures and gallery collections. It is also reflected in the buildings people occupy, the materials used in construction and the everyday environments that shape their experiences.
The exhibition also carries a deeper historical significance through the legacy of Helen Lieros, one of the founders of Gallery Delta alongside Derek Huggins in 1975.
Lieros, who died in 2021, was an accomplished artist, teacher, mentor and influential promoter of visual arts in Zimbabwe. Through Gallery Delta, she helped nurture artists, create opportunities for creative expression and establish an important platform for the development of contemporary art.
The name Nhaka, meaning inheritance or legacy, captures the significance of preserving this heritage and ensuring that the artistic vision established by the founders continues to inspire future generations.
The exhibition therefore represents more than a gathering of artworks. It is also a celebration of the people, ideas and creative initiatives that have shaped Zimbabwe’s artistic identity over several decades.
By bringing together artists from different backgrounds and generations, Memory Down The Lane invites audiences to appreciate the historical value of their work while recognising the lasting influence of their contributions.
For Zimbabwe, preserving such artistic legacies is also an important part of documenting national heritage, celebrating local creativity and encouraging future generations to appreciate the country’s own artistic achievements.
Exhibiting artists:
* Helen Lieros
* Luis Meque
* Alison Baker
* Rashid Jogee
* Richard Jack
* Robert Paul
* Thakor Patel
* Arthur Azevedo
* Kate Raath
* Paul Wade
* Matheus Nyaungwa