Doreen Sibanda is an artist, curator, administrator, and art education activist. Reclining Woman (1978) depicts a serene woman in repose, resting on her hand while reclining and looking away. Painted with broad strokes in bright, contrasting tones and gestural shapes, the painting is economically detailed to depict sharp facial features. Dramatic light highlights the angles of the face. Sibanda intended to portray the strength and character of the sitter, Diana, who had recently migrated from Jamaica. At the time Sibanda was interested in how modernist painters captured emotion through gesture and colour. Additionally, she was simultaneously enthused by classical African art and its simplification of form and space. Drawn to Diana’s boldness, self-assuredness, and facial features, Sibanda immediately thought to document this essence through painting. This work is part of the National Gallery of Zimbabwe’s permanent collection.
This is the first time the work of Doreen Sibanda is presented at Biennale Arte.
—Tandazani Dhlakama
