A smiling young man stands side on, arms wrapped around himself on a block red background with a flower and a grey border.

Kudzanai-Violet Hwami

Kudzi

€4,000

Artwork

Edition of 35

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In tender collaged canvases, Kudzanai-Violet Hwami abstracts the contexts of her friends and family – an allegory for identities displaced, or otherwise fragmented.

Kudzi started as a digital collage of the artist’s cousin. Printed, painted on and then faithfully recreated in 17 silkscreen layers. Glossy swathes of colour obscure a halftone-modulated, monochromatic underprint. These innovative techniques – born of close collaboration with artisan printmakers in London – echo the rich, multimedia surfaces of Hwami’s original paintings.

“Here stands a shy, joyous Zimbabwean young man free from realities facing LGBTQ people in Southern Africa.”

The artwork encompasses a collaboration between Hwami, Avant Arte and Queercircle. From September 15, Kudzi will be installed in Queercircle’s reading room alongside a curated selection of queer literature. Visit the accompanying journal to learn more, and for the chance win an artist’s proof!

Behind the scenes

Kudzanai-Violet Hwami2 collaborationsKudzanai-Violet Hwami paints colourful portraits full of energy and life. She draws from her experiences living between multiple places – Zimbabwe, South Africa and the UK. Family photographs and found images tend to be her starting point. Hwami then paints these into abstract backdrops and domestic scenes. Crucially, she separates the figures from their original context – a symbol of displacement. Finally, splashes of saturated colour are added over the top. The finished paintings are almost patchwork. Individuals, objects and pools of pigment layer on top of each other. Just like the disparate memories and experiences they represent.

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Reviews from Avant collectors

I absolutely love the textured details. The picture literally pops off the canvas and the floating frame encompasses those details perfectly. Amazing job by Jake Fried and the Avant Arte team! I'm excited for my next purchase.
Review of Open Eyes (Signal)
Lovely art work, very professional company, the packaging was incredible. The whole process was very impressive. i will purchase more. thanks!
Review of Guardian
Amazing platform and communication! Amazing art and print quality! Great service and support! Thanks!
Review of Guardian
I am satisfied with the neat communication and wonderful packaging regarding the delivery of the work. Thank you.
Review of Sacred Connectedness
amazing piece. love the frame and unbox experience
Review of Chromie Squiggle #8107
Beyond my expectations and Avante Arte will be my only source for online art. No others compare to the artists and perfectionism that Avante Arte offers. Thank you.
Review of Guardian
Congratulations for the perfect service!
Review of Out of the Dark
10/10 The customer service was great, it didn't take long to receive the package, the shipping was ultra safe and the entire presentation was top tier. Very impressed, cheers!
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