NGZ FACELIFT WON’T AFFECT EXHIBITION

Trust Khosa,

Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub

THE ongoing renovations at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe will not affect Pardon Mapondera’s exhibition titled “Dotipaiwo Chiedza,” which opened last week, according to a top curator.

Although the exhibition was only displayed on the opening day, it will return on Tuesday next week and remain open until October.

In an interview with Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub, curator Zvikomborero Mandangu reassured art lovers and collectors that Mapondera’s exhibition will proceed as scheduled.

“The response to Pardon Mapondera’s exhibition has been overwhelming but it was only shown during the opening before it was temporarily halted due to renovations,” he said.

“By Tuesday next week, it will be back on display until October. Everything is under control, and we are looking forward to a positive response, judging by the previous feedback,” he said.

Being the premier arts hub, he added, the NGZ chief was doing his best to ensure that the needs of art enthusiasts and collectors are met.

“There is also more to come after the renovations, with additional works set to be showcased at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe.”

Mapondera’s exhibition, which addresses new, original, or previously unseen problems or situations—better referred to as novel issues—marks his first solo show at the NGZ.

According to his curatorial statement, “Dotipaiwa Chiedza” is a masterpiece in which Mapondera uses his craft to tackle serious issues.

“The artist ventures into installation, wherein the works draw from the familiar with his use of condiment carafes as devices to objectify the relationship between body and spirit.

“The exhibition explores the rise of spiritual intermediaries in Zimbabwe, highlighting the emergence of religious pluralism and new movements.

“It emphasises the prevalence of Pentecostal and charismatic Christianity, with over 84 percent of the population following these denominations.

“The exhibition also highlights the integration of traditional African beliefs with Christian practices,” reads part of the statement.

The statement adds:

“The thematic direction touches on the alternative set against the classical; how a generation has immersed ‘trad’ values in light of systemic fad values.

“The object represents clashing ideologies, their abuse, and misuse through devices linked to mainstream faith, custom, and mysticism.”

NGZ curator, Fadzai Muchemwa, praised Mapondera for his creativity.

“Through his work, Mapondera reflects on his own lived experiences, his doubts, revelations, and moments of inner clarity, layering them with ancestral guidance and communal questioning,” said Fadzai Veronica Muchemwa, the exhibition’s curator.

Mapondera is one of the most enterprising fine artists who continue to shine both locally and overseas.

He has had his collections auctioned both locally and abroad. With this first solo show at the NGZ, Mapondera’s stock continues to rise with each week.

After the renovations, he will have the opportunity to interact with more art enthusiasts, collectors, and children who love the arts.

As has become the norm, many high school learners have frequently visited the NGZ, courtesy of artists of Mapondera’s calibre.

According to his creativity, as indicated by the NGZ chiefs, Mapondera is in a league of his own.

“His textile works fashioned from plastic bottles, straws, and thread ruminate on the burgeoning ecological crisis that is set to displace swathes of people in the coming decades.

“While Mapondera’s works acknowledge the presence of man made waste, they also offer a vision for an alternative future where these materials can form part of the climate crisis solution.”

Mapondera has been hailed for his ability to create beauty from what has been discarded, perhaps a metaphor for humanity’s ability to forge new beginnings from the shortcomings of the past.

With this new exhibition, fans have every reason to come and witness something new, original, or previously unseen through this solo show.

Precisely, Mapondera’s show will create memories, as it implies that something hasn’t been encountered before through its unique perspective.