Online Reporter
Maria Chiguvari
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
The National Gallery of Zimbabwe in Bulawayo will open its doors for Fragrancies of Truth, a new group exhibition by its resident artists that asks viewers to look twice at the stories told about the past.
Opening on Thursday, the show brings together 12 artists working across different mediums to interrogate how history is recorded, remembered and sometimes reshaped.
The exhibition delves into historical narratives that continue to influence the present day some celebrated as defining moments in human history while others remain questionable, contested, or possibly shaped by propaganda.
Curated by Doris Kamupira, Rinako Shirai, and resident artist Yolanda Ngwenya, the exhibition runs under the subtitle “Unravelling Historical Narratives.”
Ngwenya, one of the curators and exhibiting artists, said her work explores the historical narratives that continue to shape Zimbabwean culture, education, and daily life.
She said the theme “Fragrancies of Truth” reflects the lingering presence of history in everyday life much like a fragrance that remains in the air long after its source has disappeared.
Through texture, fabric and mixed-media experimentation the artwork captures both the beauty and complexity of memory, identity and collective belief.
“The theme is Fragrancies of Truth. My piece explores some historical narratives that have influenced our culture, education, our overall now.
“Some of these historical narratives are questionable, did they even actually happen, or the play of propaganda would have you believe they did.
‘‘Some are significant, so much so that without them, our present reality would have been greatly different.”
Ngwenya credited her time as a resident artist at NGZ Bulawayo for pushing her practice forward.
“Being a resident artist at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe in Bulawayo has broadened my understanding of art and allowed me to experiment with different concepts and textiles to create my artwork for the exhibition,” she said.
Alongside Ngwenya, the exhibition features work by Abigail Nyasha Hunda, Cherish Waldman, Keith Ryan Chikoza, Nothemba Hilda Dube, Mthokozisi Zwelithini Ndlovu, Ntabiso Gift Dube, Picasso Leon, Patricia Sbanesihle Banda, Ryan Ross Gondo, Talent Kapadza, and Zibusiso Magonya.
Organisers say the exhibition is part of NGZ Bulawayo’s ongoing commitment to supporting emerging artists and creating space for critical conversations through contemporary art.
Mathew Masinge