Exclusive Interview with Charmaine Chanakira: A Rising Star in Afro-Expressionist Art

In the ever-evolving world of contemporary art, few artists capture the raw vibrancy and depth of African heritage quite like Charmaine Chanakira.

After recently chatting with the incredible Cynthia Erivo and Eric Underwood, our Girl About Town, Claudia Peifer is back out there again, chatting to more top artistic talent.

A Zimbabwean-born, London-based Afro-expressionist painter, Charmaine’s works are a visual and emotional explosion of identity, culture, and personal experience.

Her art is not just about aesthetics—it’s about storytelling, self-exploration, and a deep-rooted dialogue between past and present.

So, without further ado, catch what happened when Charmaine sat down with TA-DAH.TV and read on to learn more about this awesome up-and-comer.

Exclusive Interview: Meet London’s Afro-Expressionist Artist Charmaine Chanakira | TA-DAH.TV

The Journey: From Harare to London

Born in Harare, Zimbabwe, Charmaine moved to the UK at the tender age of five. And it’s this transition, from the rich cultural landscapes of Zimbabwe to the bustling metropolis of London, that shaped her perspective and artistic language in profound ways.

“I never quite felt like I fully belonged in either place,” Charmaine once remarked in an interview. “My art became a way to reconcile these two worlds—to find a space where I could exist freely and authentically.”

Her work is infused with her Zimbabwean roots, blending traditional African elements—such as intricate patterns, bold colour palettes, and rhythmic compositions—with contemporary themes of identity and self-discovery – hence the use of mouths and eyes.

Charmaine Chanakira: Bold, Beautiful and Unique

We’ve featured A LOT of incredible and diverse art on our Channel – from Cezanne to Banksy – and Charmaine’s works are different again.

In her own words, her paintings are characterised by their fearless use of colour – “The brighter the better, the bolder the better, the louder the better.”

She describes her style as ‘Afro-expressionist,’ a term that perfectly encapsulates her blend of traditional African influences with modern expressionist techniques.

She also mentions in our exclusive interview that the art helps connect her to her heritage in an “endless cycle of celebrating being African.”

But her works also challenge societal norms. Charmaine recently spoke about how her art invites viewers to step into her world and experience the complexities of race, gender, and personal identity.

She has commented previously: “For too long, Black women’s stories have been told through someone else’s lens. This is my way of reclaiming my own narrative.”

Key Influences: From Mental Health Patients to Adebayo Bolaji

Although she tells us that inspiration hits her randomly, she also highlights the mental health patients she used to work with in a previous role as surprising muses for her creativity.

In terms of inspirational figures from within the industry, she highlights that London-born contemporary artist Adebayo Bolaji played a huge role in her artistic development.

Bolaji, a multidisciplinary artist of Nigerian heritage, is equally celebrated for his bold use of colour, storytelling techniques, and ability to fuse painting with other artistic mediums such as sculpture, theatre, and poetry.

Speaking of Bolaji’s influence, she said recently:

“Adebayo’s work showed me that there are no rules when it comes to storytelling in art. His ability to merge different forms of artistic expression gave me the confidence to do the same in my own way.”

Breaking Boundaries and Critical Acclaim

Charmaine’s work has been featured in several exhibitions, and she continues to make waves in the art world with her striking and thought-provoking pieces.

In 2023, Charmaine was featured in the Ascension group show at Zari Gallery in London, where her work received widespread acclaim.

Critics praised her ability to fuse tradition with contemporary expression, positioning her as one of the most exciting emerging voices in the Afro-expressionist movement.

The Future of Afro-Expressionism and Charmaine’s Role in It

Afro-expressionism is gaining momentum, with artists like Charmaine leading the way in pushing its boundaries. By blending cultural storytelling with modern artistic techniques, Charmaine is redefining how African art is perceived on the global stage.

Her goal is not only to make art that resonates but to inspire the next generation of African artists, recently commenting: “I want young Black artists to see my work and know that their voices matter, that their stories deserve to be told on their own terms.”

As she continues to grow and evolve, Charmaine is set to leave an indelible mark on the art world. Her work is more than just visually stunning—it is a testament to the resilience, beauty, and complexity of African identity.

So, where can you see more of these eye-catching artworks for yourself?

Where Can You Catch Charmaine’s Works?

Charmaine Chanakira’s collection of kaleidoscopic works will be taking pride of place in the 90 Clarendon Fine Art Galleries around the UK and beyond.

Check out her special pieces in locations like these – and many more:

• Bath
• Brighton
• Cardiff
• Edinburgh
• Leicester
• Leeds
• Liverpool
• Manchester
• Newcastle
• Nottingham
• York

Discover More Incredible Up-and-Coming Artists on Our Arts & Culture Channel

Charmaine Chanakira is more than just an artist; she is a storyteller and a voice for the African diaspora. Her work is bold, deeply personal, and unapologetically Black.

Through her powerful canvases, she invites us all to step into her world—a world where identity is fluid, history is honored, and art serves as a bridge between past and future.

Catch more of Charmaine’s works in the Clarendon Fine Art Galleries we highlighted earlier.

But for more exclusive artist interviews, insightful features, and coverage of the latest exhibitions and cultural events across Europe there’s only one place to be – our Arts & Culture Channel. Discover it today!