adminFor this week’s column, we as the National Gallery of Zimbabwe have decided to do something completely different; give you a different type of article. One that isn’t simply targeted at our usual readers but to that one person that has always wanted to know what was beyond the glass doors at the national ‘art’ gallery; what it is as well as what to expect when you’re in that space.
We’ve realised that there is a gap that needs to be addressed, and we are going to use this platform to adjust that by giving a step by step guide of what to expect from the moment you climb up the stairs to walk into the gallery, the National Gallery of Zimbabwe.
The National Gallery of Zimbabwe (NGZ) is located on Julius Nyerere Way, between the NSSA building and Harare Gardens. As you walk through the door you are confronted with a large foyer (depending on whether there is an exhibition in the space or not) and you’ll see on your right a desk with gentlemen clad in black shirts with the NGZ logo embroidered onto the left breast pocket whilst on the far left you’ll see yet another reception area clearly marked “reception”.
Straight ahead of you, you’ll see a glass slide door which leads into the shop area, and the Shop Café and the Internet café a little further in.
Once you’ve acclimatised yourself with the space and taken in your surroundings, you walk over to the desk on you right with the gentleman in black and inform them you would like to look at the exhibitions.
At this point they will inform you that to view a show is $1 for adults and children over 12 and 50 cents for children. Once you’ve paid and been given your little yellow receipt you’re ready to experience the best of art NGZ has to offer.
From there you move forward into the first gallery space, right next to the desk at which you paid your entrance fee, which is called the Courtauld Gallery; this is the only gallery space on the ground floor. Once you’ve gone around, usually from right to left, taking time to stop at each piece hanging on the wall or displayed on the floor you move to the ramp which then takes you to the next level of the building.
For those that want to sit and process the work they have seen, there is a set of two black chairs positioned just under the ramp on which visitors are more than welcome to sit and ponder about the work or simply take a break before moving onto the next level.
When you are at the top of the ramp you have a choice to make; to either go right and down the corridor, or a double right turn and go down that corridor or turn left.
If you turn right, you will be able to work that is usually hung along the wall that leads to the NGZ library, which is open for use to the public by paying a small fee of US$1 for every use or by joining our Friends of the Gallery membership thus receiving many more benefits.
If you take the double right turn there will be work along the wall to your left and if you walk all the way down to the end, there are two doors on either side.
The door on your right into the North Gallery is always locked but the room can be accessed from another door, whilst the door on your left leads into the PG Gallery. If you decide to turn left at the top of the ramp you immediately step into the South Gallery space which leads into the East Gallery a little further down then into the North Gallery with the door that was locked as mentioned above.
Visiting the gallery is an experience in itself, especially when you take time at each artwork allowing yourself to connect with the work on another level, it allows you to take it deeper and connect on an emotional level.
However, in the process of looking and appreciating the art there are a few rules that you need to know that are implemented once you walk into the Gallery.
These rules are merely security procedures. When you are in the Gallery you are not allowed to be on the phone, any phone calls are to be taken outside, no bags, umbrella’s or like objects (unless it’s a handbag) are allowed within the exhibition spaces — all such things can be left at the attendants desk and collected on the way out.
You cannot take pictures in the Gallery unless you have been given permission by an NGZ staff member and the Attendants have been notified.
The National Gallery of Zimbabwe also offers various programmes for the public Saturday Art Classes, tours (groups, schools etc.) to name a few. We have a shop that sells work made by Zimbabwean artists from artwork, to jewellery, crafts and so much more. To enjoy the library and many more benefits, please come into the gallery and see the receptionist for a Friends of the Gallery membership form or visit our website — www.nationalgallery.co.zw and download the form there.
Next time you get a chance, or looking for something to do at lunch time, why not pop into the gallery and leave a little richer culturally; you’ll never be the same again, guaranteed! Next week we will lead you on a tour through the specific works so you can experience the kind of thoughts and questions evoked by the various works on display.
Any comments would be greatly appreciated please leave them on our website or you can inbox them on our Facebook page.
Online Reporter