Charmaine is a Zimbabwean Afro-expressionist artist, art psychotherapist, and activist who explores the intersection of race, activism, and mental health through her art.
Artistic Journey: Can you share the story behind your evolution as an Afro-expressionist artist and how your Zimbabwean heritage influences your work?
"My journey as an Afro-expressionist artist is deeply rooted in my Zimbabwean heritage, shaping not only my creative identity but also the stories I tell through my art. My evolution as an artist has been an exploration of identity.
Every piece is all different versions of myself at every new stage of my life. Afro-expressionism, to me, is a way of reclaiming narratives, celebrating Blackness in its most unapologetic form, and bridging the gap between tradition and upbringing. My work often blends abstract and figurative elements, using dynamic brushstrokes and rich colours and tones to reflect the energy and spirituality that I associate with my Zimbabwean roots.
Ultimately, my work is about visibility, pride, and cultural celebration. I want to create art that not only speaks to those who share my background but also educates and inspires those who may be unfamiliar with it. Through Afro-expressionism, I aim to tell powerful, emotive stories that honour my heritage while pushing the boundaries of contemporary African art."
Art and Activism: How do you integrate activism into your art, and what messages are you aiming to convey through this intersection?
"For me, art and activism are inseparable, one fuels the other, creating a space where visual expression becomes a form of resistance, empowerment, and storytelling. As an Afro-expressionist artist, my work is not just about aesthetics; it’s about sparking conversations, challenging narratives, and amplifying the voices of those who have been historically marginalised.
At the heart of my art is a deep commitment to social justice, cultural pride, and the decolonisation of identity. Through bold colours, dynamic compositions, and symbolic elements, I explore themes of racial identity, systemic oppression, resilience, and the beauty of African heritage. I want my art to be both a mirror and a megaphone, reflecting the lived experiences of Black communities while also calling for change. A lot of my artwork speaks about the black, settled migrant experience, which is something that is not spoken about even within the black community.
One of the most significant ways I integrate activism into my work is by reclaiming African narratives and aesthetics that have often been erased or misrepresented. By highlighting Afrocentric beauty, traditions, and ancestral strength, I counter the Eurocentric gaze and redefine how Black identity is seen and celebrated."
Art Psychotherapy: As an art psychotherapist, how do you perceive the therapeutic potential of art in addressing mental health issues, particularly within marginalised communities?
"As an art psychotherapist, I see art as a profoundly transformative tool, one that allows individuals, especially those from marginalised communities, to express, heal, and reclaim their narratives in ways that words often cannot. Art holds the power to access unconscious emotions, process trauma, and foster self-awareness, making it an essential medium for mental health support, particularly in communities where traditional therapy may be stigmatized or inaccessible.
For marginalised groups, whether due to race, immigration status, socioeconomic barriers, or historical trauma, mental health struggles are often compounded by systemic oppression, discrimination, and generational wounds. Many individuals within these communities may feel disconnected from conventional therapeutic models, either due to mistrust of institutions or cultural perceptions around mental health. Art therapy provides an alternative, nonverbal pathway to process pain, offering a safe space for self-expression, identity exploration, and emotional release.
Ultimately, I believe that art has the power to humanise, liberate, and restore, making it an invaluable form of therapy for those who have historically been denied spaces to be heard, seen, and validated. Through my work, I strive to create those spaces, where healing is both creative and revolutionary."
"I want my art to affirm, empower, and inspire a deeper understanding of racial and cultural complexities."
Exploring Identity: Your work delves into themes of race and identity. How do you approach these complex subjects in your creations, and what impact do you hope they have on viewers?
"My work delves into race and identity as a means of self-exploration and social commentary. I approach these subjects through a blend of Afro-expressionism, symbolism, and abstract storytelling, using colour, texture, and form to express the nuances of Black identity, resilience, and cultural pride.
By incorporating ancestral motifs, historical references, and contemporary struggles, I create pieces that challenge stereotypes, reclaim narratives, and celebrate the richness of African and diasporic experiences.
I want my work to evoke emotion, spark conversation, and encourage introspection. Whether it’s a bold abstract portrait that redefines Black beauty standards or an abstract composition exploring the intersection of heritage and Western Street culture, my goal is for viewers to see themselves, or at least question the perspectives they bring to identity.
Ultimately, I want my art to affirm, empower, and inspire a deeper understanding of racial and cultural complexities."
Creative Process: Could you walk us through your creative process, from conceptualisation to the final piece? How do mindfulness and experimentation play a role in your artistry?
"My creative process is deeply intuitive and layered, beginning with an idea or emotional impulse that gradually takes shape through mindfulness, and experimentation. I do not plan work, I just let creativity flow through me. I find it more difficult to plan a piece of work than to just improvise and see what happens. I try to lead with emotion and heart by merging deliberate intention with spontaneous expression, ensuring that every work carries both meaning and emotional depth."
Recent Projects: You’ve mentioned completing significant projects after months of dedication. Can you tell us more about these works and the experiences behind them?
"One of the most significant projects I’ve poured my heart into recently is Runako Studio, a content and event space designed to inspire creativity and self-expression. The name ‘Runako’ means ‘beautiful’ in Shona, my mother tongue, and that meaning is deeply embedded in everything I create.
This studio is not just a space, it’s a reflection of my artistic journey, my cultural heritage, and my love for storytelling in all its forms. My creative path started with drawing manga and anime-inspired art, which played a huge role in shaping my artistic style and discipline. With Runako Studio, I wanted to build a space that reflects that same intersection of influences, a place where creativity is boundless, and diverse artistic voices are celebrated. Whether it’s photography, content creation, music, or digital art, I designed the studio to be a versatile hub for innovators, influencers, and artists of all kinds. Every detail, from the rotating backdrops to the carefully curated aesthetics, embodies my vision whilst leaving a blank canvas so people can create their own visions too.
Beyond just being a physical space, Runako Studio is an extension of my mission to incorporate my heritage into everything I do. Whether through the symbolism in my paintings, the themes in my creative projects, or the way I design my workspace, I strive to create things that are deeply personal yet universally resonant."
Balancing Roles: How do you navigate the roles of artist, therapist, and activist simultaneously? What challenges and rewards come with wearing these multiple hats?
"Navigating the roles of artist, therapist, and activist requires a constant balancing act.
Each role feeds into the other, but it also comes with emotional weight:
- As an artist, I explore themes of identity, history, and healing through visual storytelling.
- As a therapist, I use creativity as a tool to help others process trauma and self-discovery.
- As an activist, I ensure my work not only expresses but also advocates for change, whether through public engagement, workshops, or collaborations.
The biggest challenge is emotional labor, holding space for others while also protecting my own creative and mental well-being. The reward, however, is knowing that my work contributes to both personal and collective healing. I remind myself that I don’t have to carry everything alone, and sometimes, just creating is a revolutionary act in itself."
"Know Your “Why” – Art with a message is most powerful when it comes from an authentic place. Reflect on what issues truly resonate with you."
Future Aspirations: What upcoming projects or themes are you excited to explore in your art and professional endeavours?
"For now, my focus is fully on pursuing my artistic endeavours and exploring every creative opportunity that comes my way.
I want to have as many fingers in the pot as possible, immersing myself in different forms of expression, collaborations, and projects that push my artistic boundaries.
While psychotherapy remains a passion of mine, I see it as something I’ll step into later in life, when I have more experience and perspective to bring to the field. Right now, my priority is creating, evolving, and leaving my mark through art."
Advice to Emerging Artists: What guidance would you offer to aspiring artists who wish to incorporate social issues and therapeutic elements into their work?
"To aspiring artists who want to integrate social issues and therapeutic elements into their work, I’d say:
- Know Your “Why”– Art with a message is most powerful when it comes from an authentic place. Reflect on what issues truly resonate with you.
- Do the Research – If you’re addressing social themes, understand the historical and cultural contexts to ensure your work is informed and respectful.
- Embrace Experimentation – Socially engaged art can take many forms, don’t be afraid to blend disciplines, explore new mediums, or collaborate with communities.
- Self Care is Essential – Activist and therapeutic art can be emotionally taxing. Make space for rest and personal healing.
- Build a Community – Art has impact when it is shared, discussed, and experienced collectively. Find like-minded artists and organisations to collaborate with. Above all, stay true to your vision, the world needs more artists who are willing to challenge, heal, and inspire.
Personal Reflection: How has your artistic practice influenced your personal growth and understanding of the world around you?
"Art has been my greatest teacher. It has deepened my understanding of self, history, and the power of creative expression. Through my artistic journey, I have learned that identity is fluid, healing is nonlinear, and resistance can be beautifully expressed through creation. More than anything, my practice has taught me the importance of storytelling, not just as a way to process my own experiences, but as a means to connect with others, challenge perspectives, and keep ancestral wisdom alive.
Every brushstroke, every composition, every project is a dialogue between the past, present, and the future. And through this journey, I’ve realised that art isn’t just something I create, it’s something that continues to shape and transform me."
Check out more of Charmaine's work using the following links:
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