TAKUNDA REGIS BILLIAT, JULIO RIZHI

Simchowitz DTLA is a dynamic new programmatic space and extension of Simchowitz Gallery (located at 8255 Beverly Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90048) that will fluctuate between exhibition, residency, and studio space, housing artists and innovative projects on a rotating basis.

The exhibition features two emerging Zimbabwean artists whose practices employ the use of found, discarded, and industrial materials to make effecting sculptural works seeped in socio-political commentary. Julio Rizhi utilises brightly coloured melted plastic on mesh wire to create alluring pieces that have the effect of mystical scales and fur. Through his work Rizhi explores the connections between consumption and waste through the socio-ethical prism of contemporary Zimbabwe.

The works of Takunda Regis Billiat’s featured in the exhibition similarly recast found objects–cow horns, strips of fabric, and wire–into haunting pieces with an animalistic quality as horns and claws take form into uncanny, twisted shapes. Evident in his titling, the works explore the role of Christianity as a social construct, and the rise of charismatic churches in Zimbabwe, and their history of exploitation.

Launching the gallery’s second space in Los Angeles with this exciting exhibition, highlights Simchowitz’s long-standing commitment to collecting, supporting, and showcasing contemporary African art.

Julio Rizhi, b. 1991, lives and works in Harare, Zimbabwe. After studying at the National Gallery Visual Art Studio, he pursued his practice, while based at the Chinembiri Studios. Between 2014 and 2020 he has exhibited at First Floor Gallery (Victoria Falls and Harare, Zimbabwe), First Floor Gallery (Cape Town, South Africa), and MACAAL Gallery (Marrakesh, Morocco).

Takunda Regis Billiat, b. 1990, lives and works in Harare, Zimbabwe. He graduated in 2014 from National Gallery Visual Art Studio, specialising in painting. Billiat was the winner of the best work award in the Auxillia Chimusoro national competition in 2013 and Tavatose Competition winner from the National Gallery of Zimbabwe in 2014. He is a current resident at Chinembiri Studios and has exhibited with First Floor Gallery (Victoria Falls and Harare, Zimbabwe), First Floor Gallery (Cape Town, South Africa), Kristin Hjellegjerde Gallery (London, UK), and Gallery Delta (Harare, Zimbabwe)