I N D E P E N D E N C E Freedom in Creation”
A duet art exhibition by RINGO B. CHILESHE & RABSON G. PHIRI
Curated by Zenzele Chulu
It is an honour to curate INDEPENDENCE – Freedom in Creation, a duet exhibition by I Zambian artists: painter Ringo Brian Chileshe and sculptor Rabson Phiri. Though based in different worlds — Ringo painting in Cincinnati Ohio since 2011, and Rabson grounded in Lusaka working in stone, wood, and metal — the challenge was to find where their practices meet. After two years of planning and a long wait for space at Lechwe Trust Art Gallery, this exhibition finally brings them together to celebrate Zambian talent.
Ringo's work is a homecoming. His vibrant, semi-abstract paintings trace his journey from the Art Academy Without Walls in Lusaka to America. They blend traditional Zambian/African themes with new cultural encounters, sharing intimate moments of memory, ancestry, and joy. All works in the show were made in the U.S. and are being exhibited in Zambia for the first time.
Rabson, a protégé of the late Masters Friday Tembo and Flinto Chandia, carries forward the ULENDO Studio legacy. His sculptures in stone, wood, and metal speak of experience, freedom, and raw honesty. He alternates between highly polished and rough textures, reflecting stories of life in Linda Township and the freedom to create without apology. His international exposure and restoration work for the Chaminuka Collection confirm his standing.
The curatorial team chose the title INDEPENDENCE – Freedom in Creation after discovering a shared language: celebration. Both artists depict dancers, musicians, and communal joy — art that affirms humanity amid life's challenges.
Timed ahead Zambia's Independence Day in October, the exhibition invites reflection on what freedom means. For these artists, independence is expressed through unrestricted creativity — a freedom to celebrate life from different angles.
Texts by : Zenzele Chulu
Exhibition runs from 4th September to 3rd October 2026
Independence
Independence
Ma Fish School 1, installation
Ma Fish School 1, installation
Elephnat Flinto Ebony, metal, marble181 x 144 x 53cm
Elephnat Flinto Ebony, metal, marble181 x 144 x 53cm
Chileshe, Ringo B The Big Day, Mixed media on canvas 121 x 60cm
Chileshe, Ringo B The Big Day, Mixed media on canvas 121 x 60cm
Chileshe, Ringo B Mama Proud, oil on canvas 85 x 84cm
Chileshe, Ringo B Mama Proud, oil on canvas 85 x 84cm
Chileshe, Ringo B Circumstance Oil on paper 71 x 56cm
Chileshe, Ringo B Circumstance Oil on paper 71 x 56cm
Chileshe, Ringo B Blessings follow me Oil on canvas 120 x 91cm
Chileshe, Ringo B Blessings follow me Oil on canvas 120 x 91cm
What women can do we men cant do 103 x 72 mixed media on canvas
What women can do we men cant do 103 x 72 mixed media on canvas
Phiri, Rabson During Load Shedding i, ii, iii, iv Scrap metal
Phiri, Rabson During Load Shedding i, ii, iii, iv Scrap metal
Phiri, Rabson Apita Victorious Ebony, metal, beads 144 x 70 x 67cm
Phiri, Rabson Apita Victorious Ebony, metal, beads 144 x 70 x 67cm
Ma Fish school 2, installation
Ma Fish school 2, installation
Left to right Zenzele Chulu, Mr Miko, Rabson Phiri and Andrew Chifita
Left to right Zenzele Chulu, Mr Miko, Rabson Phiri and Andrew Chifita
MYSA Director Arts Ms Esther Ng’ambi during the opening
MYSA Director Arts Ms Esther Ng’ambi during the opening
Chileshe Ringo’s Mother giving a speech during the opening
Chileshe Ringo’s Mother giving a speech during the opening
Independence
Independence
Independence 05
Independence 04
Independence 03
Independence 06