~ dedicated to Cynthia Zukas, MBE, founding chairperson of Lechwe Trust
In recognition of the passing of Cynthia Zukas, (1931 – 2024), Lechwe Trust has mounted a selection of historical artworks from the Lechwe Trust Heritage Collection, a collection that began, accidentally, in the 1960s, when Cynthia founded Lechwe Trust together with Bente Lorenz and Henry Tayali.
The main aim of the Trust was not to collect artworks, but to enhance art education capability in Zambia, and provide grants to talented Zambian artists to obtain art education at different academic levels. But, at the same time, Cynthia, Bente and Henry became increasingly concerned that outstanding works by Zambian artists, that had been purchased by expatriates, were leaving the country.
To date, Lechwe Trust has collected over 500 art pieces, and it is from this collection that the gallery has selected to exhibit 80 significant works by 25 deceased artists and senior artists still living, most of whom received educational assistance from Lechwe Trust.
Cynthia Zukas was herself a painter and printmaker. She trained at the University of Cape Town Michaelis School of Art, and on display in this exhibition is her “Last painting as a student”, 1952, along with other of her paintings and prints.
The Book of Condolence for Cynthia Zukas is also still open.
The exhibition is curated by Mary Zulu and Andrew Chifita of the Lechwe Trust Art Gallery, and is on display until 4th February 2025.
