Story by Oleen Ndori, Foreign Editor
ZIMBABWE’S Pavilion at the 61st International Art Exhibition of the Venice Biennale in Italy is attracting more than 4,000 visitors every week, showcasing the country’s artistic heritage while strengthening its cultural diplomacy on the global stage.
The prestigious exhibition, which opened in May, has brought together more than 100 countries, providing a platform for artists to exchange ideas, celebrate creativity and present their national stories through visual art.
Zimbabwe is exhibiting under the theme “Second Nature | Manyonga”, which explores resilience, heritage and humanity’s relationship with nature through the work of five contemporary Zimbabwean artists.
Executive Director of the National Gallery of Zimbabwe, Mr Raphael Chikukwa, said the exhibition reflects the resilience of Zimbabweans and the wider African continent.
“Manyonga, Second Nature, is about the resilience of the Zimbabwean people and the resilience of African people. The exhibition, curated by Fadzai Muchemwa, features the works of Franklin Dzingai, Eva Raath, Pardon Mapondera, Gideon Gomo and Felix Shumba.
“Zimbabwe has consistently participated at Santa Maria della Pietà since 2011. It demonstrates the strength of our artistic sector. We are also seeing Zimbabwean artists being selected for the main Venice Biennale, which is a significant achievement. Most importantly, the Zimbabwe Pavilion is attracting more than 4,000 visitors every week,” he said.
Mr Chikukwa said participation at the Venice Biennale complements Government’s image-building and cultural diplomacy agenda under the National Development Strategy Two.
“This is a life-changing opportunity for Zimbabwean artists. Many who have exhibited here are now represented by leading galleries in London, Paris and New York, while others have gone on to participate in major international art fairs. Beyond promoting individual artists, they are representing Zimbabwe and contributing to the country’s image-building agenda through one of the world’s most prestigious art exhibitions,” he said.
Visitors to the Zimbabwe Pavilion praised the exhibition for its originality and authentic storytelling.
“The exhibition is very emotional and beautifully presented. It offers a different perspective of Zimbabwe and its culture.”
“It was my first time visiting the Zimbabwe Pavilion and I was impressed. The artists communicate important messages in a unique way,” another visitor said.
Zimbabwe has participated in the Venice Biennale since 2011, with the exhibition continuing to provide an important platform for promoting the country’s cultural diplomacy, creative industries and international engagement through the visual arts.
