Zimbabwe News Update
earground
4 min read
johannesburg, south africa– zimbabwe’s creative scene takes a bold step onto the continental stage as multidisciplinary artist sherman baloyi debuts his latest body of work atdecorex africa, one of the continent’s most prestigious design showcases. featuring a compelling mix of paintings, fashion accessories, and upcycled furniture, the exhibition marks a career-defining moment for the harare-based artist and a celebration of zimbabwean innovation and sustainable creativity.by plot mhakoa proud moment for zimbabwe as a multidisciplinary artist showcases his latest offering on a continental stage.“with a career rooted in graphic design and visual storytelling, baloyi has built a name through his studioonadsgn, founded in 2015.
his work spans brand identity, editorial design, and ux/ui, but it’s his pivot towards circular design and sustainability that has positioned him at the cutting edge of african creative expression. his latest pieces — made from repurposed materials like plastic, fabric scraps, and discarded hardware — challenge conventional ideas of value, beauty, and permanence.“i want people to rethink how they see waste,” baloyi explains. “for me, it’s not the end of usefulness — it’s a beginning. each discarded object holds potential, and i use that as a starting point for something beautiful and meaningful.”baloyi’s foundational studies at the institute of art & design in bulawayo ignited a fascination with patterns, textures, and everyday aesthetics.
this multidisciplinary approach now finds full expression in his current work, which effortlessly blurs the boundaries between fine art, functional design, and activism.see alsohealth technology symposium: ai, digital health & innovation in zimbabweat the heart of baloyi’s practice isonaso, a platform launched in 2023 that focuses on creativity, climate, and community. it extends his mission beyond the gallery, offering content and educational programs that engage youth and communities in conversations about sustainability and cultural preservation.“zimbabwe may be small in population, but we are vast in cultural wealth and creativity,” he notes.
“african artists have a unique opportunity to show that sustainability is not a western trend but something deeply rooted in our traditions.”visitors to decorex africa can expect a vibrant, thought-provoking showcase — one that celebrates the spirit of regeneration, champions african material culture, and reminds us that the future of design is circular, local, and deeply personal.baloyi’s presence at decorex africa is not just an artistic milestone — it is a statement about zimbabwe’s place in global design conversations, driven by authenticity, resilience, and an unshakable belief in the power of looking inward to shape the world.
johannesburg, south africa– zimbabwe’s creative scene takes a bold step onto the continental stage as multidisciplinary artist sherman baloyi debuts his latest body of work atdecorex africa, one of the continent’s most prestigious design showcases. featuring a compelling mix of paintings, fashion accessories, and upcycled furniture, the exhibition marks a career-defining moment for the harare-based artist and a celebration of zimbabwean innovation and sustainable creativity. a proud moment for zimbabwe as a multidisciplinary artist showcases his latest offering on a continental stage.“ with a career rooted in graphic design and visual storytelling, baloyi has built a name through his studioonadsgn, founded in 2015.
his work spans brand identity, editorial design, and ux/ui, but it’s his pivot towards circular design and sustainability that has positioned him at the cutting edge of african creative expression. his latest pieces — made from repurposed materials like plastic, fabric scraps, and discarded hardware — challenge conventional ideas of value, beauty, and permanence. “i want people to rethink how they see waste,” baloyi explains. “for me, it’s not the end of usefulness — it’s a beginning. each discarded object holds potential, and i use that as a starting point for something beautiful and meaningful.” baloyi’s foundational studies at the institute of art & design in bulawayo ignited a fascination with patterns, textures, and everyday aesthetics.
this multidisciplinary approach now finds full expression in his current work, which effortlessly blurs the boundaries between fine art, functional design, and activism. see alsohealth technology symposium: ai, digital health & innovation in zimbabwe health technology symposium: ai, digital health & innovation in zimbabwe health technology symposium: ai, digital health & innovation in zimbabwe at the heart of baloyi’s practice isonaso, a platform launched in 2023 that focuses on creativity, climate, and community. it extends his mission beyond the gallery, offering content and educational programs that engage youth and communities in conversations about sustainability and cultural preservation. “zimbabwe may be small in population, but we are vast in cultural wealth and creativity,” he notes.
“african artists have a unique opportunity to show that sustainability is not a western trend but something deeply rooted in our traditions.” visitors to decorex africa can expect a vibrant, thought-provoking showcase — one that celebrates the spirit of regeneration, champions african material culture, and reminds us that the future of design is circular, local, and deeply personal.
