By Ndumiso Tshuma
Bulawayo-based artist Abigail Hunda is making waves in Zimbabweโs art scene with her innovative approach to abstract art, transforming ordinary items such as mugs and bottles into striking pieces of art.
Her work, which has captured the attention of art lovers and collectors alike, tells deeply personal and sometimes difficult stories, while also addressing broader social issues.
Reflecting on her journey, Hunda said her career began in December 2023, after participating in an art exhibition in Bulawayo, where her work was recognised among the best on display.
“December 2023 was a turning point for me. I met people from different areas of the art industry, and I submitted one of my paintings to an exhibition in Bulawayo. They liked my work and thatโs when I started selling my art,” she said.
Her breakthrough came in May 2024, when she was selected to join Canvas of My Identity, a programme designed for ten female artists, focusing on exploring themes such as conflict, justice, and trauma through art.
“I learnt so much from that programme,” Hunda said. “It helped me realise that being an artist goes beyond creativity. Itโs also about being a vessel for peopleโs stories โ stories often rooted in emotional experiences.”
As part of the programme, Hunda worked on projects that confronted difficult themes. One involved engaging with survivors of the Gukurahundi massacres, an experience she described as both challenging and transformative.
“We had to visit people who were victims of the Gukurahundi and listen to their stories. It was a dark and emotional experience, but it shaped how I approach painting today,” she said.
In September 2024, Hunda further expanded her artistic reach by participating in a course that explored the intersection of art and climate change.
“I was challenged to create pieces that raise awareness about climate issues and promote sustainable food practices,” she said. “In the end, I produced five artworks inspired by these themes.”
Looking ahead, Hunda hopes to use her art to amplify the voices of those often left unheard.
“My dream is to tell the stories of people who donโt even know where to begin โ people who struggle to find the words. I want my art to speak for them, and I want to be recognised for expressing those emotions through my work,” she said.
Abigail Hunda can be contacted on +263 717 621 471.