Assemblies of God member and visual artiste, Israel Israel’s new sculptor is set to redefine the indigenisation and empowerment concept as it illustrates how Zimbabweans should work hard to attain economic prosperity.
Israel, who is also a gospel artiste, has earned the Bulawayo based artiste nomination in this month’s National Art Merit Awards (NAMA) to be held here next week.
He redefines the concept shrouded in ceding 51 percent stake to locals, while less results have been realized.
Israel’s unique artistry of blending metal and clay shaping an indigenous basket weaver, illustrates that an African has the power to make wealth without the influence of external forces.
“My concept of indigenisation is not like that of government. I’m not for taking companies, but advocating for people to work for themselves,” Israel said.
“I have a problem with people who look to others for empowerment. That is why I came up with this concept. We can do things ourselves,” Israel said.
The piece illustrates a man riding with a bicycle, selling baskets.
The devout artiste who is resident at the Bulawayo Art Gallery said his new Indigenisation concept was inspired by the apostolic sect members who believe in hard work.
He said through their hard work, some of them had amassed wealth from selling artifacts and products that the public despise.
“I’m inspired by the apostolic sect members because they work hard and some of them are driving cars,” Israel said.
“I am saying through my piece that we should create our own wealth so that no one abuses us,” the deadlocked artiste who won a NAMA award last year said.
He dispels government’s indigenisation policy, saying it was not the ultimate empowerment tool as it only emphasizes on possessing already existing companies.
Israel encouraged Zimbabweans to work hard and not rely on hand-outs from other nations.
Last year his sculptor was selected for exhibition at the inauguration of Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International airport and the deal of selling the piece is yet to be sealed with the airport officials.
“The piece is at JM Nkomo airport and they are interested in buying it,” Israel said.
“People love it because it says a lot about our economic stand point. I hope people will get my message because that’s the only way we can change the future,” he added.
The NAMA nominee is excited about his nomination for a third year in a raw and looking forward to add another NAMA to his cabinet.
“I am happy about the nomination. It really came as a shock and if I win, it will be an honor,” he said.
His previous NAMA nominations were in 2012, The Book of Good and Evil (Facebook)an illustration of the effects of Facebook on children and 2013, Unto us a Child was Born, unto us a Child was given which depicts abject poverty in Africa.