Artist of the Soul: The Watercolor Mastery of Blessing Chakandinakira

By: Elizabeth Erasmus

Blessing Chakandinakira: A Watercolor Artist from Zimbabwe

Blessing Chakandinakira, a gifted watercolor artist, was born in 1989 in Mutare, Zimbabwe. His journey into the world of art began at an early age, with his passion being nurtured through his educational years. Blessing attended Baharmgreen Primary School, where his love for creativity started to take root. Later, during his secondary education at Hamilton High School, he chose art as a practical subject, studying it from Form 1 to Form 4. This foundation proved crucial to his development as an artist, allowing him to explore and refine his skills.

After completing secondary school, Blessing made the bold decision to fully dedicate himself to art, with watercolor becoming his chosen medium. Watercolors require precision, patience, and a delicate hand, and Blessing quickly became drawn to the medium’s ability to blend subtlety with intensity. His dedication paid off after six years of honing his craft when he participated in a group exhibition at the National Gallery in Bulawayo. This experience not only showcased his growing talent but also introduced him to Zimbabwe’s vibrant art scene.

Four years later, Blessing held his first solo exhibition at The Corridor Gallery, a milestone that marked a turning point in his career. The exhibition was a resounding success, attracting art lovers and collectors who admired his unique approach to watercolor. His works, which often capture the beauty of Zimbabwe's landscapes and people, resonated deeply with the audience, further solidifying his place in the local art community.

In the following year, Blessing was invited to participate in the "Pieces of Peace" exhibition held at the National Gallery in Bulawayo. This exhibition highlighted themes of unity, healing, and harmony, and Blessing’s contributions were well received. His watercolor paintings conveyed a sense of tranquility and reflection, aligning perfectly with the exhibition’s message.

Beyond exhibitions, Blessing has also been committed to sharing his knowledge and passion for watercolor with the younger generation. He has conducted watercolor workshops at several schools in Bulawayo, including Founders High, Hamilton High, Montrose High, and Girls College. Through these workshops, Blessing has inspired countless students, showing them the power of creativity and self-expression. His dedication to teaching extends beyond schools; he has also led workshops at John Smale Children's Home, using art as a tool to engage and uplift children.

Blessing’s influence has not been confined to Bulawayo alone. He has also conducted a watercolor workshop at Arcturus High School, located 34 kilometers outside Harare. His outreach to different parts of Zimbabwe has helped promote watercolor painting as a respected art form across the country.

In addition to his educational efforts, Blessing has been a regular participant in some of Zimbabwe's most prestigious art festivals. He has exhibited his works at the Wild Geese Art Festival and the Jacaranda Art Festival multiple times. These annual events bring together artists from across the country, offering a platform for creatives to showcase their work to a broader audience. Through these festivals, Blessing has gained recognition not only for his technical skill but also for his ability to capture the essence of Zimbabwe’s landscapes and culture in his art.

Blessing Chakandinakira’s journey as a watercolor artist is one of passion, dedication, and continuous growth. From his humble beginnings in Mutare to becoming a celebrated artist and educator, he has made a significant impact on the Zimbabwean art scene. His work continues to inspire, and his contributions to both the art world and his community make him a remarkable figure in contemporary African art.