Story by Bruce Chahwanda, Political Editor
VICE President Colonel Retired Kembo Mohadi says Zimbabwe is set to be a regional, continental and even global powerhouse in the arts sector if lessons from the 60th Venice Biennale International Art exhibition are implemented.
The 60th Venice Biennale International Art Exhibition impressed the Zimbabwe delegation led by Vice President Kembo Mohadi.
The delegation concluded its tour of duty by viewing the works of Shalom Kufakwatenzi and a visit to the South African, Benin and Senegal pavilions to get a deeper understanding as these countries have similar structures back home.
Vice President Mohadi said the visit to Venice was an eye-opener, and Zimbabwe is poised to become a powerhouse in the arts sector.
“I have realised that there are several things that we take for granted back home, which can be put into an expression through art. So we need to look into that through the ministry responsible. We look at those things so that we become a powerhouse when it comes to art, both regionally, continentally, and internationally. So we are going to vigorously pursue this,” he said.
Cde Mohadi said the artefacts bridge gaps between generations, hence the need to bring such exhibitions home.
“You know, there’s contemporary works, there’s also the work that belongs to the old, to the ancient world, but it links us. Art speaks more than words if you understand it. My trip here has been quite useful and it is an eye-opener,” he added.
Zimbabwe Pavilion Commissioner Raphael Chikukwa said the 2024 edition of the Venice Biennale International Art Exhibition had been a milestone for the country’s artists.
“This has been the most powerful and successful exhibition because of the inclusion of African artists. The visit by the Vice President Kembo Mohadi of Zimbabwe inspires curators, museum directors and cultural workers. It is something that has happened for the first time. Having the Presidium endorsing the country’s pavilion and artists means a lot,” said Chikukwa.
Several lessons have been drawn from this year’s international exhibition which will be critical in shaping the future of the arts sector.
