Zimbabwean stone carvers showcase art while confronting colonial legacy

Zimbabwe, known for its rich cultural heritage, is experiencing a revival of its stone sculpting tradition through a notable exhibition at Oxford University. This exhibition, scheduled for September, aims to contextualize the legacy of Cecil John Rhodes, a controversial figure in British colonial history, through a collection of Zimbabwean stone sculptures. For many artists associated with the Chitungwiza Arts Center near Harare, this occasion represents not only a chance for visibility in the Western art world but also a vital opportunity to revitalize a diminishing art form that has struggled economically over the past two decades. The stone sculpture industry in Zimbabwe has a storied past woven into the nation's identity and history. This art form has been used since independence to tell stories and preserve cultural narratives, yet it has faced significant challenges. In the wake of land reform policies executed over twenty years ago, Zimbabwe's global image and economic landscape shifted dramatically. These reforms led to the displacement of over 4,000 white farmers, redistributing land to a predominantly Black population of around 300,000 families. Though the intentions behind these reforms were to correct historical inequities, they inadvertently crippled critical sectors of the economy, including the art and tourism industries that thrived on relationships with former white farmers and international collectors. With many former customers lost and economic connections severed, Zimbabwean artists now find themselves compelled to seek new markets actively. The current exhibition, spearheaded by a collaborative group consisting of local artists and academia, began as a more extensive project with ambitious ideas such as enclosing a statue of Rhodes and constructing collaborative sculptures that represent the future. However, due to financial constraints, Oriel College provided £10,000 only for a scaled-down version of their vision. The exhibition, planned for September, is expected to comprise four standout pieces, including one sculpture celebrated for its impactful portrayal of historical narratives surrounding colonialism. Overall, this initiative aims not only to showcase Zimbabwe's artistic heritage to an international audience but also to address the broader implications of colonialism in contemporary society. It highlights the resilience of Zimbabwean artists who are striving to sustain a dying art form while renegotiating their cultural identity in the face of historical injustices. This exhibition serves as both a reminder of the past and a stepping stone towards future growth within the art community, aiming to reconnect them with lost markets and build new opportunities for art appreciation and commerce.