KUDZAI CHITSATSO
BULAWAYO – Bulawayo-based visual artist and graphic designer Paddington Dube, professionally known as Paddington_da_artist, is preparing for his first solo exhibition, staged in collaboration with Alliance Française, in what marks a major milestone in his growing creative career.
Dube confirmed that the exhibition is scheduled for 13 February, running from 4pm to 7pm, and will be hosted at Alliance Française in Bulawayo.
“I am currently working on my solo exhibition in collaboration with Alliance' Française. The exhibition is on the 13th of February next year from 4pm- 7pm,” he said. “The exhibition will be at Alliance Française.”
Titled Unveiled Silence, the exhibition will bring together works from Dube’s 2024 and 2025 catalogue, offering audiences a comprehensive view of his artistic evolution.
“It is my first solo exhibition and its Themed: UNVEILED SILENCE because l will be exhibiting all of my works from my 2024 and 2025 Catalogue,” he said. “The exhibition is to showcase my journey as an artist finding my voice/ signature style.”
At the core of Dube’s work is an interest in emotion, vulnerability and inner conflict. His latest pieces explore deeply personal themes, particularly the idea of release and healing.
“My latest piece explores the theme of ‘letting go’ a deeply emotional moment of surrender and healing,” he explained. “It captures the silent battles we face and the beauty in choosing to release what holds us back.”
Dube situates his practice firmly within contemporary visual art, which he defines through emotional immediacy and lived experience.
“Contemporary, to me, is about echoing real-time emotions and unfiltered stories,” he said. “My work is rooted in present-day human experiences, often focusing on identity, emotion, and internal conflict, which I portray using abstract figures with covered faces.”
Working primarily with acrylic on canvas, as well as cartridge paper and mixed media, Dube says his choice of materials allows both control and emotional depth.
“I enjoy working with acrylic on canvas and sometimes cartridge paper and mixed medium,” he said. “These mediums allow bold expression while also offering control. They carry emotion well and let me build layers of meaning.”
His creative process is guided largely by feeling rather than rigid structure.
“It begins with a concept or a feeling, often drawn from stories I hear or live through,” Dube said. “I sketch rough ideas, decide on composition and colors, then build up the piece layer by layer, letting emotion guide the process.”
He added: “When I'm creating music, I'm often guided by my emotions and surroundings. My mood is the catalyst for the type of music I produce – whether it's a soul-stirring emotional track or an infectious dance anthem.”
While deeply personal, Dube says he remains mindful of how his work connects with audiences.
“I stay true to my voice and message while being mindful of presentation and quality,” he said. “I aim to create pieces that connect with real people, even if the work is raw, it resonates emotionally and visually.”
Through his artistic journey, he says one lesson stands out above the rest.
“Art taught me that vulnerability is a strength,” he said. “The more personal and real the work is, the deeper it connects. Also, mistakes often lead to breakthroughs, art rewards risk-taking.”
To avoid creative burnout, Dube says he leans on community and rest.
“I engage with other creatives, take time to rest, and often revisit stories people share with me,” he said. “Music, books, and my community also feed my creativity. Most importantly, I allow myself to create without pressure.”
In addition to fine art, Dube is also an accomplished graphic designer, a discipline he says complements his artistic practice.
“My ability to tell stories visually, whether it's through logos, posters, or digital media I give meaning to design, not just style,” he said.
When approaching new design projects, Dube emphasises research and clarity.
“I start with understanding the purpose and audience,” he said. “Then I research, brainstorm visuals, sketch concepts, and refine them based on feedback. Every step must connect to the vision.”
One of his most challenging assignments involved rebranding a stationery company.
“Rebranding a stationery company was tough they had identity issues,” he said. “I solved this through deep research, modern logo design, and real-world mockups like T-shirts, labels, and a gazebo, bringing the brand to life.”
Dube is the runner-up of the 2019 Mannequin Art Challenge, sponsored by the Anthu Foundation, and has exhibited at the National Art Gallery of Zimbabwe, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, and a cultural exhibition in China through Bulawayo Polytechnic.
In April 2025, he won first prize in Graphic Design at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair.
He has also participated in several group exhibitions, including the NUST Art Club Annual Exhibition, the National Art Gallery Bulawayo Provincial Exhibition, and Expressions of Zimbabwe.
Among the projects he is most proud of is designing the branding for his own exhibition.
“Designing my solo exhibition branding from fliers, catalogues and its covers,” he said. “It brought my fine art and design sides together and reflected my growth.”
A contemporary visual artist and graphic designer, Dube’s work explores emotion, spirituality and the human experience through abstract and figurative expression. Through his Echo Art Studio brand, he continues to develop work across painting, murals, sculpture and mixed media.
As Unveiled Silence approaches, the exhibition is set to introduce audiences to an artist still defining his voice; but doing so with clarity, intention and emotional honesty.
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