Viable Visions

Martin Abasi Phiri (MAP, 1957-1997), a luminary of Zambian contemporary art and an alumnus of the Central Academy of Fine Arts in Beijing, left an indelible imprint on the nation’s cultural art scene.

As an artist, MAP left behind a distinguished body of bold and masterful works. His unique visual language and dynamic expressions charted new artistic directions of his era. From 1988 until his untimely passing in 1997, MAP also served as a lecturer at the Evelyn Hone College of Applied Arts and Commerce, where he introduced anatomy studies and a professional sculpture training system. His passionate and unwavering approach profoundly shaped a generation of artists who continue to reverberate his influence. Among his many contributions, the establishment of Zambia National Visual Arts Council (VAC) in 1989 stands out as one of MAP’s most significant legacies. Under his leadership, VAC flourished as a robust, artist-led organisation dedicated to nurturing creativity across the nation. The VAC Documentation Centre, guided by Phiri’s foresight, remains a vital repository of Zambia’s artistic history.

Viable Visions is a journey back into the legacy of Martin Abasi Phiri—a return to his gifts, visions, and the promises that transcend his lifetime and continue to echo in the present. Initiated and curated by Lifang Zhang in collaboration with Lusaka Contemporary Art Centre, Zambian National Visual Arts Council and Evelyn Hone College. with the support from the Phiri Family and with the partnership of Wonderful group of companies Limited and Happyland Zamba, this project unfolds through an exhibition, a symposium and a publication, weaving together restoration of artwork, digitisation of VAC’s archives, and the renovation of its Documentation Centre.

The exhibition features MAP’s sculptures, paintings, drawings, and installations that traverse a spectrum of mediums. Alongside these works, a rich assemblage of archives—sourced from his family, friends, institutions, and networks across the globe—offers a deeper glimpse into his world. The symposium gathers MAP’s family, friends, and fellow travelers from both past and present to engage in a dialogue that rekindles the sparks of his practice and unveils its enduring inspirations within the contours of our present moment.

Project Team

Project curator: Lifang Zhang

Project assistants: Monalisa Hamududu, Alex Sikazwe, Bruno Milambo, Emma Banda

Project managers: Victor Mutelekesha, Uzi Chinyonga

Restoration experts: Twatasha Kabwe, Emmanuel Muntanga, Songa Mukata

Documentation: Alex Sikazwe and Dennis Mubanga Kabwe

Technician Support: Boyuan Investment, Chimuka Mwikisa

Publicity: Changwe Kabwe, Augustine Kagimu, Margaret Mwewa

Acknowledgements

Institutions

Evelyn Hone College (Lusaka), Central Academy of Fine Art (Beijing),

Zambian National Arts Council (Lusaka)

Individuals

Agness Yombwe, Andrew Kaniki, Andrew Katembula, Andrew Mulenga, Angel Phiri, Benne Banda, Bernard Simwinga, Cao Chunsheng, Chande Kapundu, Charity Nandeka Chellah, Charity Zulu, Charles Kapumpwe, Chansa Chishimba, Chrysa Marimo, Constantinos Michaelides, Dr. Gaudensio Rossi, Durban Kambaki, Evelyn Banda, Emmanuel Tembo, Francesca Dal Lago, Gladys Kalichini, Harry Kamboni, Kumoyo Simutanyi, Lawrence Yombwe, Lukundo Namutowe, Ma Jianhua, Mary Tembo, Misheck Chilumba, Mwape Mumbi, Paul Kadimba, Racheal Mkochi, Roy Kausa, Smart Banda, Stary Mwaba, Sun Qi, Titus Mtonga, Wang Xin, Wang Zhong, William Miko, Yang Ming, Zhan Wang, Zhang Yu.

Special thanks to everyone not mentioned who participated and contributed to the success of the project.