About Me

I am Charmaine Chanakira, an Afro-expressionist painter born in Zimbabwe and raised in London. Growing up amidst various moves and migration, my journey has been a constant exploration of my identity, revealing that I'm a mix of everything and nothing at the same time. My artwork draws inspiration from my life as a black Zimbabwean woman living in the UK. Coming from a Zimbabwean background, sharing feelings and experiences has been a bit of a challenge. Conversations about mental health and seeking support were considered taboo in my community, making it tough for me to reach out for help and exploring my migration trauma. Having grappled with this reality for most of my life, I'm driven to shift perspectives and spark conversations about the black experience and mental health through my art. Although I do not have any formal art education, my art is inspired by the neo expressionist movement combined with contemporary and traditional African art.

My creations are born from intuition and a deep emotional connection with my ancestry and history. Over the last couple of years, I’ve had the privilege to exhibit in prestigious galleries and shows including; Clarendon Fine Art, Artsy, Mestaria Gallery Dubai, Zari gallery, Henarch Gallery, Art Basel Miami, The Bomb Factory, The Other Art fair and many more. I have won the Zimbabwean Achievers award for Art and culture; The Global Art Virtuoso award for Elite Artistic Career Achievement; and Zealous Amplified. I've been voted as artist of the year and Director's choice by Saatchi Art. I have been featured in distinguished magazines such as British Vogue and House and Garden magazine. I have been featured in spotlight articles for Colossal, Okay Africa and Marmalade Collective. Although I do not come from a Fine Art background, I do have a bachelors degree in Graphic Design and a Masters of Psychology in Art Psychotherapy.

While I have achieved significant milestones in recent years, it is crucial to acknowledge the formidable challenges I've encountered on my journey in the industry, marked by the intersectionality of my race and economic background. The path to my current position wasn't paved; rather, I had to actively push and navigate obstacles. My intent is to use my experiences to help others facing similar hurdles, particularly those from ethnic minority backgrounds and economically disadvantaged circumstances, in finding their footing in the art industry. I am particularly committed to empowering women, with a special focus on ethnic women and girls, by encouraging them to pursue their aspirations despite adversities. In addition to my artistic achievements, I am currently working on a book aimed at aiding migrants in managing identity issues through the art therapeutic lens. Through my creative workshops, I have provided a supportive platform for men, women and children who have endured physical and sexual violence. I have also facilitated workshops for migrant women navigating feelings of displacement within their communities, persistently striving to create safe spaces for marginalised people.