Charmaine Chanakira

Charmaine Chanakira is a London based painter. Born in Zimbabwe and raised in London, the state of being on the move has stimulated the artist’s concern with navigating her own status.

The artist’s identification as a BLACK/ ZIMBABWEAN/ MIGRANT/ WOMAN living in the UK is central to her practice; as the artist claims: ‘I’m not just one thing, I am all and none.’

The Black experience collection addresses the social and political injustices that she has personally experienced, Chanakira’s work engages with the notions of decolonisation and social justice, challenging the world in which she lives...

Change comes to be the subject matter and the organising principle of her painting. Bright colours jump from the surface of the canvas, submerging the drawing and doodles that can be seen faintly below the paint. With iconography reminiscent of the 1980’s New York Neo-expressionist movement, the works on paper are filled with signs and messages. At the juncture of art and activism, one imagines them like posters hastily glued to walls, bus stops and other parts of a city to be seen by all who pass, sometimes in protest, or sometimes as a celebration.

From these works emerge a portrait of the artist. Chanakira explains: ‘What alw...

Roehampton University September 2020- March 2023
• MA Art Psychotherapy

Roehampton University October 2019- March 2020
• Art Psychotherapy Foundation

Portsmouth University 2012-2015
• BA (Hons) Graphic Design graduate.

Bricklane Gallery Group Exhibition 2021
Zari Gallery Ascension Group Exhibition 2021
Bomb Factory Solo Exhibition 2021
Zari Gallery BHM Group Exhibition 2021
Home and Heritage Virtual 2020
Portsmouth end of year exhibition 2015