The ManicaPost
Liberty Dube
Post Correspondent
THE new look Meikles Building in Mutare’s Central Business District has captured the attention of many, particularly visual art enthusiasts, following the completion of some eye-catching mural designs that covers two sides of the building.
A mural is any piece of graphic artwork that is painted or applied directly to a wall, ceiling or other permanent substrate.
The colourful mural that covers the first side of the building which is opposite Mutare Spar is a letter ‘M’ designed in purple, green, yellow and black and it covers the apex of the building, which is 15 metres high and six metres wide.
The other side of the building which is inscribed Meikles Market is black and white and also 15 metres high and six metres wide.
The striking design is a classic example of tangible cultural heritage, which refers to physical artefacts produced, maintained and transmitted inter-generationally in a society.
Post Business caught up with the man behind the designs, a visual artist par excellence, Mr Chavhangaire Tshovutshovu.
The 43-year-old Mr Chavhangaire is based in Mbare, Harare, and has been in Mutare for the past month.
“I am a visual artist who has been doing murals and graphic design for so many years. I have been here for over a month, although we thought the mural designing would take less than two weeks.
“It is a mind-blowing experience and it was my first time to go up 15 metres on a scaffold. It requires soberness and concentration. I came here on May 18 with my assistant, but the bad weather hindered our progress.
“Sometimes it would appear as if it would rain and we were forced to work late into the night. Since we are staying on the site, sometimes we start work as early as 3am and finish late to cover up for the lost time,” he said.
Mr Tshovutshovu has also charmed by Mutare’s beauty and its residents’ hospitality.
“I am learning a lot from the local people’s etiquette,” he said.
“I also have an art studio where we print national and corporate flags. We also do stone sculpting, painting and drawing, as well as tutorials for upcoming designers,” said Mr Tshovutshovu.
