The space of art in Zimbabwe

The space of art in Zimbabwe

Historically known as the breadbasket of Africa for its fertile land, Zimbabwe is a nation in Southern Africa that has shaped contemporary continental politics and history. Most in the continent have heard of this country for its citizens being the most educated and its natural beauty. I took a trip to Zimbabwe in 2023, and one of my focuses there was to learn about the Zimbabwean art space. I met with a dear friend of decades who is a Zimbabwean artist based in Harare. We visited various art spaces, attended a private exhibition, and took a 3-day road trip to see some breathtaking nature in eastern Zimbabwe. He graciously agreed to this interview on his inspiration as an artist and the space of art in the country.

Please tell a little about you and your background

My name is Danai Chinyenze, I am 34 years old. I was born and raised in Harare, Zimbabwe. I completed my primary and secondary education in Harare. I moved to South Africa in 2009 to complete a degree in Fine Arts at the University of Pretoria and specialized in landscape as a form of identity in the Zimbabwean context. I then moved to Turin in Italy to complete a second degree in transportation design at the Istituto Europeo di Design (IED). My studies focused on car design and worked in this industry for a few years before returning to Zimbabwe in 2020.

Currently, I work as a full-time artist and design pieces that are sold and commissioned by art enthusiasts or collectors. I have had opportunities to showcase my pieces in private and public exhibitions. I also continue to work on car design which is my primary passion.

As an artist, what is your source of inspiration?

My inspiration comes in many forms throughout my life. Situations whether good or bad, meeting new people, friendships, and hearing stories become an idea that sparks a creative visualization of the landscape that I lay on canvas. For example, following the loss of someone close to me, the memories of the good times I had with them helped to create a piece using elements, shapes, and colors that symbolize what they brought into my life.

Another source of inspiration is colors. I am more drawn to warm colors as a primary base and I compliment them with cool colors creating a fusion that is appealing to the eyes. We are fortunate to live in an African country where there are splendid sunsets. That contrast of these soft colors at dusk and the peace that comes with it generates scenery for my paintings.

As a Zimbabwean, I am proud of the beautiful environment that surrounds us. I have traveled around the country to witness the beauty, and many of my friends from around the world often praise the mountains, valleys, game reserves, and historical sites. Conscious of this rich history and nature, I have a bottomless well of inspiration where I can draw ideas, colors, and stories.

Despite the hardships that the country goes through, our natural landscape and the richness of our history does not change. I have a unique feeling of belonging that fuels my artistry and motivates me to represent my country, family, and ancestry on canvas.

What do you think about the space of art in Zimbabwe?

I have been witnessing the space of art growing and expanding. There has always been a large marketplace for art depicting wildlife, but now we see other niches and people are continuously innovating. For example, there are now exhibitions dedicated to other art forms beyond painting on a canvas such as digital art, photography, and mixed media. These spaces, whether in affluent places or not, are all-inclusive and welcoming to all. This allows people to come together to share their ideas and views on art. These spaces have also enticed people to get out of their comfort zone to discover what Zimbabwe has to offer.

While a student at university, I learned to experiment with different forms of art, so I believe that there is no success formula for art. Any direction can be followed by an artist with the dream of spreading their vision of art. Throughout the years, there have been generational shifts in art representation. The older generation focused on landscape, wildlife, non-offensive politics, and fantasy. The newer generation’s art focuses more on social issues in daily life and identity. To illustrate this, in 2023 there was a photographic exhibition on the identity crisis that young women face in society. This was a way of bringing light to this issue and visitors were able to engage in conversations, experience, and information sharing on this topic. This also reinforces my belief that art is a powerful tool for unification, and I am pleased to see it grow in my country.

Although there is a level of free expression that artists have today, there are still taboos that many artists do not venture into such as art pieces or shows with obvious political undertones. I advocate for the sharing of these experiences as artists become educators in teaching and documenting moments of Zimbabwe’s history through visual storytelling. I remain curious to see how this will change or not in the future.

One of the main questions people interested in becoming full-time artists ask is can one make a living as an artist? There is no clear yes or no answer in my opinion. This space has its challenges and limitations but can also be rewarding in its way for each individual. I want to tell the up-and-coming generation and aspiring artists that the challenge will always be there, but passion, knowledge, and drive can lead to a fulfilling path.

What would like people to know about your country?

I would like to invite everyone to look beyond the highly mediatized socio-political scene and stereotypes. Contrary to what some people believe, Zimbabwe is worth investing time to experience our culture, nature, and friendliness.

Victoria Falls is the most known place for tourists, but beyond that, there is an array of places to discover to understand what makes Zimbabwe what it is. It is worth visiting and understanding Manicaland, Mashonaland, and Matabeleland to understand the mosaic of Zimbabwean culture. In the art scene, attending exhibitions gives an artistic view of dreams, opinions, and perspectives translated into pieces of art.

As a Zimbabwean, when I step out and discover the innovations led by my fellow countrymen and their daily perseverance and hustle in art or any other type of work, it makes me proud of my nation.

Zimbabwe has its challenges like any other country, but I would like to remind people: ‘Look for the treasures around you, they might appear small but once you dive into them you will greatly appreciate them for what they are.’

You can see Danai’s art pieces on Instagram.

Deborah M Ndjerareou