Agnes Yombwe
Agnes Buya Yombwe (born 18 February 1966) is a Zambian mixed media artist, arts educator, author and mentor. Her artistic practice explores indigenous knowledge systems and especially the Mbusa of Zambia’s Bemba people.[1] She also examines other societies and their response to environmental and socio-political issues facing contemporary society. Through art, symbolism and text, she explores and challenges responses to traditional and changing cultural norms. Her intent is to provoke questions, and to encourage people to engage with stereotypes and norms.
Her work focuses on highlighting taboo issues such as gender-based violence and myths around menstruation in the African context.[2][3][4][5]
Early years and education
Yombwe was born in Mazabuka on 18 February 1966. She attended Evelyn Hone College of Applied Arts and Commerce in Lusaka where she specialised in sculpture and graduated in 1994 with an Art Teacher Diploma. She holds a certificate in Art and Design from Wimbledon School of Arts, London.[6][3]
Career
Yombwe began her career in art after she won a drawing competition in high school. She was more than inspired to win the first ever drawing competition. Together with her husband, Lawrence Yombwe, she founded and runs the Wayi Wayi Art Studio and Gallery in Livingstone,[1] where they organise art clubs and workshops for adults and children.[7] Prior to that she taught art at Libala and Matero Boys Secondary Schools in Zambia for 7 years and in Botswana for 10 years.[8] She has exhibited her works in Zambia, Botswana, Namibia, Norway, United Kingdom, United States of America, Germany, and Indonesia. She has also undertaken studio residencies at the Edvard Munch in Oslo, Norway and at the McColl Centre for Visual Art in North Carolina, USA.[6][3][4]
In 2017, Yombwe was appointed as a board member to the National Arts Council of Zambia by the Minister of Arts[9] and held that position until 2019.[8]
Published works
She authored two catalogs:
Kudumbisiana: 'she is not an artist' (2015)[8][10]
Ni Mzilo - It is Taboo (2019)[7][8]
Personal life
She is married to Lawrence Yombwe, who is also an artist. She is known with her works in Zambia and Africa Art industry.[6][3][5][7]
References
- ^ a b Mulenga, Andrew (Winter 2021). "Ascribing an advocatorial role to the work of Zambian artist Agnes Buya Yombwe". Field: A Journal of Socially-Engaged Art Criticism. Retrieved 31 August 2022.
- ^ "Agnes Buya Ng'ambi Yombwe". National Art Gallery. Archived from the original on 25 November 2020. Retrieved 20 December 2019.
- ^ a b c d "Artworks - Agnes Buya Ng'ambi Yombwe". Imago Mundi Collection. Retrieved 2019-12-20.
- ^ a b Kapambwe, Mazuba (2 May 2018). "7 Visual Artists From Zambia You Should Know". Culture Trip. Retrieved 20 December 2019.
- ^ a b Stereopoulou, Anna (16 October 2015). "red beads on the bed ~ agness buya yombwe : zambia, africa". Anna Stereopoulou ~ A stereoscopic perspective of Music & Art. Retrieved 20 December 2019.
- ^ a b c "Agnes Buya Ng'ambi Yombwe". National Art Gallery. Archived from the original on 25 November 2020. Retrieved 20 December 2019.
- ^ a b c "The Expanding Vision of Wayi Wayi Studio and Art Gallery". The Zambian Sun. 2 March 2019. Archived from the original on 20 December 2019. Retrieved 20 December 2019.
- ^ a b c d Mulenga, Andrew M. "Agnes Buya Yombwe". AWARE Women artists. Retrieved 31 August 2022.
- ^ Shumba, Ano (6 October 2017). "Zambia: Ministry unveils new arts council board". Music In Africa. Retrieved 31 August 2022.
- ^ "Kudumbisiana : 'she is not an artist' / by Agness Buya Yombwe". Smithsonian Institution. Retrieved 31 August 2022.