Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
On Monday, Bulawayo celebrated 131 years since its declaration as a town by Dr Leander Starr Jameson in 1894.
Bulawayo Day, which fell right into the Bulawayo Arts Festival (Baf) festivities saw a plethora of programmes lined up which included a colourful march, and performances from MJ Sings, and Jabulani Ensemble mesmerising the audience at the Large City Hall.
Another highlight of the day was the pictorial depiction of the City of Kings, a historical and chronological exhibition curated by the National Gallery of Zimbabwe (NGZ) in Bulawayo curator, Doris Kamupira and Champion Sibanda.
The exhibition, a window into the city’s past was attended by members of the public who were taken through pictures of what is now known as Bulawayo.
Some pictures as old as the 19th Century were plastered in the walls of the NGZ lecture room where the curators were ready to explain to attendees. In her curatorial statement, Kamupira highlighted the photographic journey through Bulawayo’s 131 years.
“This curated collection showcases the city’s rich history through the lens of pioneering photographers. One notable early figure is PM Clark, whose work was featured in the seminal 1979 catalogue Adventurous Years: A Photographic Impression, published by the then National Gallery of Rhodesia.
“The exhibition highlights the evolution of photography as an art form, where creative vision and technical skill converge. Through carefully composed frames, deliberate angles, and thoughtful subject matter, these photographers reveal the narrative of Bulawayo’s past, transforming moments into timeless art,” she said.
This celebration of Bulawayo Day through photography not only honours the city’s heritage but also underscores the artistic prowess of photographers who have captured its essence over the decades. By showcasing these visual narratives, the exhibition invites viewers to reflect on the past while appreciating the artistry that brings history to life.
Added Kamupira: “The photographic impressions in this exhibition help people to locate familiar places like the NGZ building in Bulawayo, Post office, and Haddon and Sly to name a few. We appreciate this photographic collection that was contributed to the gallery by Mr Hassen Ebrahim Esats.”
Her counterpart, Champion Sibanda said the exhibition is for posterity’s sake.
“Young people need to know how Bulawayo got to be the city that it is today. This knowledge needs to be passed on to the next generation and keeping these photographs safe is of utmost importance.”
Esats, who donated the images, was also present at the exhibition, paying tribute to his parents who had passed the photographs down to him. — @MbuleloMpofu
