58. Biennale – Padiglione Zimbabwe

Lo Zimbabwe partecipa alla Biennale di Venezia col progetto Soko Risina Musoro.

Comunicato stampa

The International Exhibition of Art at the Venice Biennale will open to discerning art lovers from all over the world on the 11th of May 2019. The Zimbabwe Pavilion will appear at this of the Art World” for a record fifth time, through the generous support of the Ministry of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation. Over the past nine years, the Zimbabwe Pavilion has not only developed the artistic careers of Zimbabwean artists, but has become the most consistent participant among the African Pavilions present at the Biennale.

The Commissioner of the Zimbabwe Pavilion, Mrs. Doreen Sibanda said “the Zimbabwe Pavilion at Venice has been instrumental in inserting the footprint of the country consistently into global conversations about Contemporary Art. We are grateful for the continued National support that has so enabled us to participate.” Sibanda emphasized that over the last editions, there has been a top notch deliverance by selected artists. “Each and every artist has given their best and created work of great depth and understanding, and therein ties our strength.”

Raphael Chikukwa, the Curator of the Zimbabwe Pavilion, stated the conceptualization of the exhibition is influenced by illuminating the past as we move towards the future. “Soko Risina Musoro is an epic poem by Herbert Chitepo which reflects the Zimbabwean interpretation of the overarching theme May You Live in Interesting Times in that we, as people with memory, can map out a future by taking threats head on.” He stated that in the age of fake news, vigilance is the only tool to protect our unique story.

The Minister of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation, Honorable Kirsty Coventry, has given her support for the installation of the Zimbabwe Pavilion in Venice this year. Her Ministry is committed to its realisation as it sends a clear signal that Art in Zimbabwe is considered worthy of value and that Zimbabwean Artists reveal the soul of the country through their work.

The Participating Artists at this year’s Pavilion are Kudzanai Violet Hwami; Neville Starling, Georgina Maxim and Cosmas Shiridzinomwa.