one of fifteen variations of a colourful, hand-finished print

Kudzanai-Violet Hwami

Kudzi (Hand-finished)

€8,000

Artwork

Edition of 1557.1 (W) × 70.0 (D) cmShipping est. 2 weeksHand-finished

Only a few left

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.

As a final step in this experimental process, 15 prints returned to the artist’s studio in London for unique hand-finishing in oil paint and charcoal.

“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 literature. Visit the accompanying journal to learn more, and for the chance win an artist’s proof!

Behind the scenes

00:19

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

Very happy with the print, shipping, and framing.
Review of HOPE (251-375)
Extremely happy with the artwork but also the online insight to the production and interview with the artist. The shipping and packaging are very considered and I look forward to seeing ( & buying ) other pieces
Review of Guardian
great experience
Review of Guardian
very impressive package: gloves, certificate etc.
Review of Actual Size
I'm thrilled with the two pieces I've bought from you all. I look forward to collecting more in the future.
Review of Guardian
really a masterpiece to add in my collection!Thanks a lot🙏🏻❤️
Review of Descendent - Lucid Dreamer
Excellent process as usual
Review of Scaffold
absolutely stunning print. framing was fantastic as well. very happy, thank you
Review of Portrait of Francis Bacon

Discover more print editions on Avant Arte

See all

Available

Mark WhalenEarly Light€1,200

Available

Cui JieShanghai Federation of Industry & Commerce Building€1,500

Draw

Andy WarholBrillo Box Collectable (Lifesize)€2,500Closing on 23 September

Draw

Robert LongoUntitled (Sandy, from the series “Men in the Cities”)€5,200Closing on 29 September