Exploring The Unique Art World Of Zimbabwe: A Must See Experience For Travellers
For tourists, both local and international, Zimbabwe has a lot more offer than stunning landscapes and fascinating wildlife. There’s a wealth of art, culture and heritage to explore in order to get the true flavour of this extraordinary country and its people.
For international travellers, visits to the many amazing art galleries can really enhance their experience and make their tour so much richer and their understanding of the country much deeper. Here’s just a small selection of the best ‘must see’ art experiences.
The National Gallery of Zimbabwe (NGZ) has its home at 20 Julius Nyerere Road in the heart of Harare. Established in 1957 the National Gallery’s main aim is, “to preserve, conserve, research, and publish the artworks collections for the education of present and future generations of Zimbabwe” They have a notable collection of art works from all over the world as well a comprehensive collection of traditional and contemporary Zimbabwean and African paintings, sculptures and craft work, undoubtedly the best in the country.
The NGZ has a branch in Bulawayo, situated in the historic Douslin House, an outstanding example of colonial architecture, on the corner of Leopold Takawira and Main Street. Apart from the exhibitions there are artists’ studios where viewers can watch artists at work.
There’s a branch in Mutare opened in 1999 in another historic building, Kopje House, built in 1897. It exhibits works on loan from Harare as well as an interesting selection of paintings sculptures and crafts from local artists, giving them a platform to get their work recognised. In 2011 the NGZ acquired Tengenenge – a community set up of artists living, working, exhibiting and selling stone sculptures. Its situated in Guruve District about 130 kms north of Harare.
It was established in 1966 and over the years many internationally renowned sculptures have lived and worked there. Well worth the visit especially for international tourist looking for a truly Zimbabwean experience and the chance to buy original artworks.
The latest project of NGZ is the establishment of a gallery in Victoria Falls at stand 4224 in Chinotimba Township. There a number of artists and craftsmen in Victoria Falls who will now have the opportunity to display and sell their work in a more formal environment. It’s also a chance for tourists to experience township life.
Also in Harare is the First Floor Gallery, ironically situated on second floor of the Karigamombe Centre in heart of the CBD at 53 Samora Machel Avenue. They also have a branch in Victoria Falls at the Elephants Walk Complex. The gallery is artist run and apart from ever changing exhibitions it also hosts events like film, poetry and music.
It is dedicated to supporting and mentoring upcoming Zimbabwean artists, many of whom don’t get the chance to exhibit anywhere else. Village Unhu is a unique art gallery situated at 1 Rowland Square in Milton Park.
The ‘Village’ part of the name explains that it’s more than an exhibition space, it’s a community of artists working together to support each other. ‘Unhu” refers to a social philosophy of mutual assistance, trust and sharing. Village Unhu collaborates with other galleries (like First Floor Gallery and Mbare Art Space) and institutions on mutually beneficial projects both as consultants and participants.
The gallery also functions as the studio for co-founder Misheck Masamvu who has exhibited internationally and is considered part of the Goodman Gallery family. Village Unhu has recently exhibited at the Johannesburg Art Fair and the Latitude Art Fair. They describe their mandate as a celebration of existence, diversity and humanity.
Apart from exhibitions they conduct workshops, training, art lessons and artist residencies. They have worked in conjunction with international organisations like the Goethe Institute, Alliance Francais, the EU, the British Council, the Spanish Embassy and Pro Helvetia.
They work with other artists including painters, photographers, sculptors and multi-media practitioners to set up and curate exhibitions at their own space or at other galleries.
It’s a creative space available for many different functions – performance art, poetry reading, dinners or even fashion shows. Recently they have been in the process of establishing a new ‘Village” at the old Drifters Lodge just outside Mutare.
The Mutare branch will become the new headquarters but the Harare site will continue to operate as a
satellite venue. If you’re touring the Eastern Highlands or en route to Mutare the new venue is a great
space to stop over, view the art on offer and refresh yourself.
Among the many other galleries in Harare the most recently opened is Art84 at 84 Pendennis Road in Mount Pleasant. Apart from changing exhibitions, mostly by local artists, they offer framing, art
lessons, art supplies and a great coffee shop.
In Victoria Falls you’ll find the Prime Art Gallery, specialising in art work made from recycled materials, the
Tami Walker Gallery, offering wildlife and landscape photography, the AVAC Art Gallery, specialising in soap stone sculpture, the Nicole Sanderson Gallery supplying original paintings, prints and wallpaper
and the Victoria Falls Art Gallery exhibiting the best upcoming local artists.
These are just a few of the many galleries across the country – there are too many to mention them all.
Suffice to say that wherever you travel to in Zimbabwe there are amazing artists and art works to be
discovered.
Text: Michael Nott
From: Destination ZW Issue 11
