Visual artists network at Dzimbanhete

The destination was Dzimbanhete Arts Interactions, an artists’ resource surrounded by tall grass, granite balancing rocks, the occasional Muzhumwe (Monkey Apple) tree and a forest of Jacarandas. The occasion was a lunch hosted by Rainer Sulzberger, admirer of the visual arts, social networker par excellence and deputy head of mission in the Austrian Embassy.
As many readers will be aware, Dzimbanhete, or DAI for short, was launched in 2008 by one of Zimbabwe’s leading artists, Chiko Chazunguza, who studied for a Master of Fine Arts degree in Sofia, Bulgaria. As Chiko is currently exhibiting his art and attending workshops in Canada, stewardship of Dzimbanhete and its resident artists is in the capable hands of Romeo Sabawo (mbira player and automotive technician) and Jonathan Dube (herbalist and marine technician). These capable young men are determined to maintain a vibrant environment for the resident artists at DAI, and through workshops and exhibitions to give these rising young stars every opportunity to develop their talents.
After turning off at the 23 km peg shortly after 1pm, visitors crossed the railway line, turned right at Somerby Store, and traversed a short dust road, before drawing up in the shade of a giant fig tree outside Dzimbanhete. Rainer, a perfect host at all times, greeted the travellers with glasses of chilled fruit juice and bowls of salty snacks and exotic wasabi coated peanuts.
Guests mingled with the artists present, who talked about their careers and the inspiration behind many of the works of art on display.
At the start of a delicious three-course meal, Rainer served chilled Chardonnay, and toasted the health and prosperity of everyone present. Artists stood up in turn to introduce themselves and to talk briefly about their works on display.
Portia Zvavahera, a talented young artist, had two outstanding pictures on exhibition. Kusungirirwa (‘Yoked’) expresses the constant struggle and hardship of everyday life. Evil spirits, depicted in menacing black and red colours, is inspired by the night-time dreams, which influence the way we live. Born in Juru in 1985, Portia attended the BAT workshop and later graduated from Harare Polytechnic with a Diploma in Fine Art.
Virginia Chihota, born in Chitungwiza in 1983, also has a Diploma in Fine Art from Harare Polytechnic. Excelling in prints, paintings and textiles, her multi-faceted mixed media display at DAI, entitled Ndiri Ani? (Who Am I?), occupies an entire wall. Bold images painted in black and red with a flash of olive green and occasional stark lettering, look more like warning signs to keep out than a depiction of the life of a beautiful and talented young woman.
When admiring a painting such as Anusa Salanje’s mixed media Wines and Dines, it is possible to briefly forget the poverty affecting most sub-Saharan countries and to ignore how far Zimbabwe is from realising the Millenium Development Goals set in 2000. Salanje’s characters are seated at a table laden with tasty delights.
A man wearing a jaunty red hat has his back to us, while his partner, a woman with big hair and wearing a red spotted dress, has her arms raised in ecstasy in anticipation of their shared feast.
The Guruve Marimba Ensemble, who played with enthusiasm and skill throughout the afternoon, provided background music and entertainment. The energetic dancers were particularly admired, both for their beauty and their innovative dance steps.
Dzimbanhete has many plans and projects on the drawing board. A workshop on the making of hari (traditional clay pots), coupled with demonstrations of beer brewing is being considered.
If funding can be obtained, a glass blower from Namibia has agreed to visit, and share his skills with Zimbabwean craftsmen.
Long after the last guest departed and the dust settled on the driveway, the mood at Dzimbanhete remained upbeat. It is thanks to such patrons of the arts as Rainer Sulzberger of the Austrian Embassy, that Zimbabwean visual artists can feel inspired to develop their skills and to realise their ambitions.