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

Shipping within 2 weeks

Pay in 3 instalments with

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.

Who else should know about this work?

Help us spread the word

Reviews from Avant collectors

The monent I opened the box I was pose struck. I’m headspinning beyond happy with this piece of artwork! This piece pops like bubble gum and a great addition to my other pieces by the artist. Great communication and packaging from AA!
Review of B BOY JUSHI
The piece arrived very safely packaged. We haven't yet had it framed, but I'm very excited to see it hanging in our space.
Review of Guardian
the packaging was amazing.
Review of Actual Size
Thanks for a fantastic service. First time user.
Review of Guardian
its simply wonderful. the quality is beautiful. thanks to all at AA.
Review of Untitled
Everything was great. Thanks!
Review of Out of the Dark
Since it was from overseas, I was worried about whether the product would arrive without damage, but it was carefully packaged and arrived without any damage. Thank you very much. And I am satisfied with the work.
Review of Sacred Connectedness
As a longtime buyer of prints and editions I am extremely impressed with my first Avant Arte experience. The attention to quality, detail, packaging and the customer experience are among the best Ive seen.
Review of Untitled

Discover more print editions on Avant Arte

See all

Available

Oscar yi HouCoolieisms, aka: Born In The USA (Go And Kill The Yellow Man)€3,500

Available

Zhang RuyiForced Separation€1,200

Draw

Yoon HyupAmbre Roulette€850Closing on 23 July

Draw

Zeng FanzhiRainbow (Mask Series 1997 no.8)€1,025Closing on 22 July