Zimbabwe Hunters – Kandayin

Analysis of the work “Hunters of Zimbabwe”

Kandayin, studied drawing from live models for five years and spent two years at the Beaux-Arts in Toulouse. She then developed her expertise in a self-taught manner, specializing in watercolor which she has taught since 1997. The artist gradually evolved from strict figurative painting towards a more free and chaotic approach, structuring her surprising visions to create works with both dynamic and harmonious.

“Zimbabwe Hunters” is a work rich in color and form, capturing the energy and movement of the hunters in a vibrant and dynamic composition.

1. Composition and shapes: The work presents a multitude of intertwined geometric and organic shapes, representing stylized figures of hunters. The distinct black outlines create a mosaic of interlocking shapes, giving a sense of depth and movement.
2. Colors: The color palette is bright and contrasting, with dominants of blue, red, yellow and brown. Colors are used expressively to draw attention to different parts of the composition, creating a visual harmony that captures the vibrant essence of the scene.
3. Techniques and Textures: The use of soft pastel allows for soft transitions between colors while providing a rich and tactile texture. Marouflage and varnish provide stability to the work, allowing the pastel pigments to attach permanently to the support.
4. Symbolism and interpretation: The painting can be interpreted as a celebration of African hunting culture and traditions. The stylized figures and bright colors evoke a lively and vibrant scene, reflecting the importance of hunting in local communities. Structured lines and shapes suggest both the complexity and harmony of human interactions with their environment.
5. Stylistic evolution: This work demonstrates his stylistic evolution, moving from a rigid figurative style to a more free and structured expression. It demonstrates the artist's ability to reinvent his motifs while maintaining solid technical mastery, creating compositions that are both visually captivating and rich in meaning.