Text An African Tale

Barry, Keith and Tonde

This painting, "Mudzimai weMusha," symbolizes the pivotal role of a woman in the home. Constructed from everyday objects, the face tells a story of identity shaped by personal and communal experiences. The eyes, formed from images of people, and the mouth, depicting labor, highlight the intertwined struggles and strengths that define her place in the community. 
 
Embedded within this artwork is the essence of the African gendered philosophy, musha mukadzi (Shona) or umuzi ngumama (Ndebele), which signifies that women are the cornerstone of the home. 
 
Part of Mushamukadzi series!

Mudzimai weMusha (Mushamukudzi)

Tafadzwa

Kusvodza

In this heartwarming artwork, Keith Zenda captures the essence of brotherhood through oils and mixed media, incorporating wool to give the painting a rich, textured feel that brings the scene to life. A young boy carries his sibling, not just on his back but in his heart, representing the weight of love, responsibility, and resilience. His worn clothes and tattered shoes symbolize life’s struggles, but the warmth of their bond triumphs over hardship. 
 
The background is adorned with faint, watchful eyes—possibly ancestors or guardians—silently witnessing their journey and offering unseen protection. Zenda's artistic vision reveals more than a simple image; it tells a story of strength in unity and the sacrifices we make for those we love. 
 
As the photo of the painting in a beautifully furnished apartment shows, “Brotherhood” can elevate any space with its depth and meaning. The textured strokes, subtle details, and layered emotions blend perfectly into a modern or traditional setting, m

Brotherhood

Keith Zenda Sign

Shy Blossom

Kuunyana by Keith Zenda is a hauntingly beautiful portrayal of transformation and resilience. The woman’s face, half serene and half scarred by texture, symbolizes the duality of strength and vulnerability that defines the human spirit. The cracked surface and layered tones of violet and silver evoke the passage of time — the weathering of the soul through experience. Her single illuminated eye gazes with quiet defiance, reflecting the endurance and grace of African womanhood. In Shona, Kuunyana speaks of “emergence” or “becoming,” and through this piece, Zenda captures that moment when pain reshapes into wisdom, and the beauty of survival transcends the boundaries of flesh and form.

Kuunyana

Kungwara (Brave)

Rekeni

Kudonha

Kusimudzwa

This artwork captures the essence of classic entrepreneurship through a stylized portrayal of a woman. The central figure is adorned with vibrant, patterned fabrics that suggest a rich cultural heritage and a dynamic spirit. The most compelling aspect of the piece is the imaginative depiction of an hourglass integrated into the woman’s visage, symbolizing the passage of time in relation to wealth accumulation. In the upper portion of this hourglass, there appears to be an impression of property or real estate, representing long-term investments and assets. Conversely, at the bottom part, currency notes are depicted as if they were tears falling from her eyes, illustrating liquidity and immediate financial gains or perhaps the emotional cost of financial endeavors. This juxtaposition serves as a metaphor for how time affects both tangible and liquid assets in an entrepreneur’s journey.

Visions of Ambition: Time and Wealth in Balance,

Book Keith Zenda

Keith Zenda Text Zurich

CAtalogues sam

Text Sam Zurich

Sam photo Zurich

Sam and his Wife

Zim Flag

Willard text Zurich

Willard Photo Zurich

wo boys, arms draped like roots tangled deep in the earth—one barefoot, feeling the world raw; the other in shoes, yet walking the same road. Childhood holds them close here, before time teaches them how heavy a shoulder can grow. 
 
This is for the friendships that shape us before we even know we’re being shape

Side by Side

Charcoal and Pastels on A1 Paper. Sometimes, the simplest gestures carry the deepest meanings in life. Just like two little boys walking hand in hand, their embrace a silent promise of support and love. The bread is more  than just food—it’s a symbol of sharing, of hope, and of the strength we find in each other. In a world that often feels heavy, this connection reminds us that even the smallest acts of kindness can light the way.

Friends

**Reflections of Joy** by Willard Mujuru is a stunning tribute to heritage and memory. This vibrant painting captures the wisdom and resilience of an elder adorned in traditional attire, with their reflective glasses offering a glimpse into a joyful community scene. The intricate beadwork, colorful fabrics, and detailed textures showcase Mujuru's mastery of storytelling through art. The reflection in the glasses symbolizes a life filled with cherished moments, celebration, and cultural pride. This artwork invites us to reflect on our own journeys and the joy that emerges from community and tradition.

Reflections of Joy

Name Tag Willard Mujuru Zurich

The Masai woman represents beauty, bravery, and resilience, standing as a proud symbol of cultural identity. Adorned in vibrant, intricate beads and brightly colored shukas (traditional cloth), she embodies the heritage and artistic craftsmanship of the Masai people. The elaborate beadwork, often handmade, tells stories of community, status, and personal milestones, while the bold patterns of her garments reflect a deep connection to nature and tradition. Through her powerful gaze and timeless expression, this artwork celebrates the strength and grace of Masai women, who continue to inspire admiration worldwide.

Masai Woman

“Safety and security don’t just happen; they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear.” — Nelson Mandela, former president of South Africa

The Future

Text Florah Zurich

Florah Maphosa Foto

Smile

Afro Beauty by Florah Maphosa is a striking Afro Pop Art series that channels the vibrant, repetitive visual language of Andy Warhol but transforms it through the lens of African identity and femininity. Like Warhol’s exploration of celebrity and consumerism, Maphosa explores self-expression and cultural heritage. The bold color blocking, intricate floral details, and rich contrasts between dark skin tones and bright backgrounds echo Warhol’s pop aesthetic while incorporating symbols of African beauty and strength. The flowers represent growth and mystery, blending personal identity with cultural pride. Maphosa’s self-portraits are not just reflections of herself but a statement on Black beauty and empowerment, making her work both personal and universal.

Eclypse

Lustre

Name Tag Florah Zurich

Blossom

Love Veiled

Smruti Shyamkant Shirsat’s The Banyan Tree is a striking fusion of acrylic and jute rope on canvas, capturing the grandeur and deep-rooted symbolism of this sacred tree. The textured jute branches stretch outward, embodying the tree’s vast canopy and interconnectedness. The banyan tree holds immense significance in Indian mythology, often associated with immortality, wisdom, and shelter. It is revered as the tree under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment, making it sacred in Hinduism and Buddhism. In Hindu beliefs, it represents Trimurti—Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva—symbolizing creation, preservation, and destruction. The delicate white threads encircling the trunk suggest rituals or prayers, hinting at the spiritual bond between nature and humanity. This masterpiece beautifully intertwines artistic expression with cultural reverence.

The Banyan Tree

Roses

Nitin Khilare’s Sadhu captures the essence of an Indian ascetic, evoking deep spirituality and cultural significance. The Sadhu’s piercing gaze, flowing beard, and saffron robes symbolize renunciation and devotion. His tilak and rudraksha beads connect him to Lord Shiva, embodying a seeker of enlightenment. In India, Sadhus renounce material life, dedicating themselves to meditation and moksha. Khilare’s expressive brushstrokes and warm hues reflect their inner fire, while the dripping paint effect symbolizes life’s transience. This artwork is more than a portrait—it’s a glimpse into India’s mystical traditions and spiritual depth.

Sadhu

Bridging Continents Art Revolution

Lord Gautam Buddha, who spread the message of peace to the entire world, would often live in the forest. During this time, many animals and birds would come to him and befriend him like loyal friends. When he was hungry, they would bring him fruits. 
 
In this artwork, Balkrishna has depicted a deer and an elephant offering white lotus flowers to Buddha. The relationship between the deer, elephant, and lotus is deeply connected. 
 
In his previous birth, Buddha was a deer and performed good deeds, which earned him a human birth. As a human, he became Buddha and spread the message of peace. 
 
Balkrishna has depicted a deer because Buddha gave his first sermon at the Deer Park in Sarnath. 
 
An elephant appeared in Buddha's mother's dream, and the elephant also symbolizes knowledge. Hence, I have depicted an elephant. 
 
The lotus holds great significance in Buddha's life. When he took seven steps at birth, seven lotus flowers bloomed. Buddha's message to the world was to love and be kind to all.

Friendship

Shown in tjhe US in 2016, where it won an award and was featured in an American Art Magazine

Abraham Lincoln

Shown in tjhe US in 2016, where it won an award and was featured in an American Art Magazine - Medium Thread

The Amercian Eagle

Vuyisile Adoons’ painting captures a heartwarming moment of childhood joy and innocence. The young child, dressed in a vibrant pink and black jacket with a purple beanie, leans forward playfully with a mischievous smile. The subject's expression, full of life and curiosity, reflects the unfiltered happiness of youth. The bright turquoise background enhances the contrast, emphasizing the child’s presence and energy. The child’s slightly oversized clothing, the worn sandals, and the small juice bottle suggest a scene of everyday life, resonating with themes of resilience, simplicity, and joy found in humble moments. Adoons' meticulous attention to detail in the clothing textures, skin tones, and facial expression showcases an exceptional level of realism. The painting invites viewers to reflect on the beauty of childhood, the warmth of community, and the pure, untainted joy that transcends circumstances.

Yummy Crush Orange Juice

Descent Text Zurich

Descent Foto

Grocery Store

Bus Stop

Descent Name Tag Zurich

In "Good Friends," Barry Lungu delves into the quiet strength of human connection, rendering it through vivid colors and rich cultural symbolism. The painting is a celebration of companionship, underscored by traditional African motifs that reflect Lungu's artistic roots. The careful attention to pattern and texture elevates the visual narrative, turning a simple moment of friendship into a larger exploration of cultural identity and shared experiences. Lungu’s use of vibrant hues and bold compositions showcases his innovative new style, which skillfully balances traditional African artistry with modern themes. 
 
This artwork is an invitation to reflect on the enduring bonds we share, offering both a visual feast and a profound statement about unity and cultural pride.

Good Friends

Barry Photo Zurich

Barry Text Zurich

The painting "Indaba" beautifully embodies African community and tradition. An indaba, a gathering for discussion and wisdom-sharing, is vividly depicted through four figures in a lively conversation. Each individual’s unique patterns symbolize individuality within unity. Celebrating connection and shared experience, this artwork reminds us of the strength in community. "Indaba" invites viewers to embrace the warmth, heritage, and spirit of togetherness in African traditions.

Indaba

Barry Lungu Sign Zurich

This vibrant painting, titled "The Last Round," captures the joy and camaraderie of three elderly men engrossed in a lively card game. The expressive brushstrokes and warm, bold colors highlight their animated gestures and laughter, creating a dynamic and nostalgic atmosphere. The scene is set in a humble yet inviting environment, emphasizing the simplicity and depth of human connection. Their colorful attire and carefree expressions reflect a celebration of life and community, reminding viewers of the enduring value of friendship and shared moments.

The Last Round

This vibrant painting by Barry Lungu, rendered in his signature Township style, 
captures a woman cooking sadza, the national staple dish made from maize. Stirring a large pot over an open fire, she embodies resilience and tradition, dressed in colorful attire that reflects the lively spirit of African township life. The energetic brushstrokes and vivid colors bring warmth and movement to the canvas, celebrating the essential acts of preparation and nourishment. This artwork not only captures a daily ritual but also highlights the deep cultural connection between people, food, and the rhythm of community life.

Daily Life

This vibrant painting by Barry Lungu radiates style, culture, and individuality. Two men sit confidently, adorned in bold, colorful suits and patterned trousers, their straw hats and sunglasses adding a touch of flair. The intricate floral background contrasts beautifully with their sharp outfits, creating a lively, dynamic composition. Celebrating tradition and modernity, "The Sentinels" reflects the essence of African pride and identity, making it a standout piece of contemporary African art.

The Sentinels

A rhino’s horn is not just keratin—it’s a birthright. A legacy❤️‍🩹. The very embodiment of its soul. Yet we hack it away,-for its own good?-while poachers butcher them for ours. What cruel irony that protection and predation carve the same mutilated shame.💔 
 
These burnt billions bank notes flying from its stumped horn could never redeem what we’ve stolen.💔The tears don’t lie: -we’ve auctioned extinction to the highest bidder for useless “currency”. Shame on us—the cruelest species on this bleeding planet we call home.💔 
 
As a Pencil Knight, I don’t just draw—I rage. I mourn😭This isn’t a painting. It’s a funeral in oils💔. A scream smeared in brushstrokes. A last plea pressed onto canvas before the silence comes.❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹 
 
God forgive us for trading living miracles for dead men’s myths.❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹

Weighed in Bills, Paid in Tears

猎豹低伏在树枝间，金色的眼睛锐利地扫视着下方的草原。他是一个猎手，耐心而隐秘，等待着最佳时机出击。随着夕阳西下，长长的影子洒在大地上，猎豹的耳朵因接近的脚步声微微颤动。心跳加速，他紧绷肌肉，等待着完美的一击时刻。 
 
The leopard crouched low in the tree branches, his golden eyes keenly scanning the savannah below. A patient, stealthy hunter, he waited for the perfect moment to strike. As the sun set, casting long shadows over the landscape, the leopard’s ears twitched at the sound of approaching footsteps. With his heart pounding, he tensed his muscles, ready to pounce at just the right moment.

The Leopard

Wild Wisdom - The Feline Gaze of the Leopard 
 
In the dense foliage of the African bush, the leopard lurks, stalking its prey with stealth and cunning. But for those who look into the piercing gaze of this apex predator, they are met with a wisdom that has been forged by a lifetime in the wild. 
The leopard's eyes are windows into the heart of the savannah, reflecting both the beauty and brutality of life in the wild.

Wild Wisdom

Be the chimpanzee. Rest—though the world screams-“move.” Look up. The sky is still there, and so are the small wonders: a daisy’s fleeting kiss, a spider’s trembling thread, a caterpillar’s patient journey home💝. 
 
But the daisy wilts faster now❤️‍🩹. The forests that cradle them fall to axes, fences, and plows💔. The spider’s web? A metaphor for ecosystems we fray daily.❤️‍🩹 And the caterpillar—what is transformation without a place to become?❤️‍🩹💔❤️‍🩹 
 
We wield the blueprint of their extinction. When will we see their survival as our own?💔❤️‍🩹 
 
(Art for the wild. Art for the weary. Art for change.)

The Chimpanzee’s Reverie

Some days and other nights, the weight of the world rests in the arms of a single parent,- either by choice or by default. When the clock strikes midnight and the house holds its breath, it’s just me—rocking, shushing and praying. My wife,-midwife on night shift is out there bringing precious life into the world while I hold down our own baby home.💝 The loneliness is deafening. The love is terrifying. The responsibility? Crushing. But both , in the light and in the dark, when my child’s tiny fingers curl around mine, I understand: this is how love rewrites weakness into strength.💝❤️‍🩹💝 
This isn’t just art—it’s my story, unspoken truth of what we do when no one’s watching. For every parent who’s ever played both roles, who’s wept in the shower so the baby wouldn’t see, who’s wondered if they’re enough… you are. You’re the silent hero in the shadows.💝💝💝 
This is for us. 💝❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹👑

Affection

Souls Entwined

Name Tag Tonderai Mujuru

"Gentle Giant: The Matriarch" by Tonderai Mujuru portrays the commanding presence of an elephant matriarch, a symbol of wisdom, leadership, and nurturing power in the wild. This oil on canvas highlights the textured details of the elephant’s skin, the soft yet determined gaze, and the contrasting delicacy of vibrant lilac-breasted rollers flying nearby. The serene background emphasizes nature’s harmony, while the matriarch’s presence reflects the strength and guardianship essential to her herd’s survival.

Gentle Giant: The Matriach

High above the earth, cradled among the branches—where the wind whispers to the leaves, and the leaves sway to nature’s silent ancient song—the leopard keeps watch and hears stories of survival. Those golden eyes, alight with sun and shadow, guard the ancient secrets of the wild. 🌿✨

Secrets of the Wild

Reference picture : Magnar Jacobsen 
 
Moments❤️ 
There are moments so tender, they feel like the universe whispering its secrets—these are not just two cheetahs lost in the quiet act of grooming, it’s not just a dragonfly pausing in the grass as if to witness it…This is love in its purest form: raw, unguarded, and achingly beautiful.💝

Moments

This piece is all about love, family, teamwork, strategy, harmony and survival. It's a reminder to appreciate each other's unique strengths, stay alert, and seize opportunities when they arise.💝

The Efficient Soldiers

Text Tonderai Zurich

Picture Tonderai Zurich

维多利亚瀑布位于赞比西河上，是世界上最壮观的瀑布之一，横跨津巴布韦和赞比亚的边界。瀑布宽约1,708米，高度达到108米，形成了巨大的水雾和彩虹，景象壮观无比。当地称其为“莫西奥图尼亚”，意为“雷鸣般的烟雾”。维多利亚瀑布不仅是一个自然奇观，吸引了来自世界各地的游客，也为冒险爱好者提供了漂流、蹦极等极限运动的体验。 
 
Victoria Falls, located on the Zambezi River, is one of the world's most spectacular waterfalls, spanning the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia. At about 1,708 meters wide and 108 meters high, it creates immense spray and rainbows, a truly breathtaking sight. Locally known as "Mosi-oa-Tunya," meaning "The Smoke that Thunders," Victoria Falls is a natural wonder that attracts global tourists and offers thrilling activities like rafting and bungee jumping for adventure enthusiasts.

Victoria Falls

Nicoleta Fotos

Bridging Continents Text Nicoleta

Love

Gallery Artgal.Online (Thundorf, CH) presents African Tale with Swiss-Zim Heritage Gallery (Harare), offering a rich insight into Zimbabwean life and culture. They also collaborate on Bridging Continents: Art in Global Dialogue in Zurich, blending African, Indian, and European traditions.

Through this fusion, An African Story becomes a global dialogue where ancestral spirits, identity, and artistic philosophy meet, celebrating art as a boundless, interconnected, and timeless reflection of the human experience.

Artgal.Online

Hokusai

Roll Up Zurich 2025

Size of painting is 30x30cm and it comes without the table.

Frida

This piece represents the guiding spirits of ancestors, an essential element in Shona spirituality. The flowing form symbolizes the connection between the physical and spiritual realms.

Bridging Continents - Art International Zurich May 2025