Since the establishment of the Biennale in Venice, at the end of theeighteenth century,as far as the 54 nations of Africa are concerned,Egypt is the only country to have maintained a national pavilion.Unfortunately, Africa and African artists have been unrepresented. As a result, it has been easy to dismiss the continent ,which is forever seemingly reaching out to receive food and money . Africa appears unconnected to the tide of the contemporary art world, but this is set to change.
The theme of this years Venice Biennale; Illuminations, sparks debate to sharpen our tools of perception and for all nations to question their geography and space that they occupy now and in the future "Seeing Ourselves" presented at the Zimbabwe Pavilion, presents a window into the life of that nation, through the eyes of four selected artists.
Zimbabwe's image has shifted away from being the beautiful and desirable house of stone - a nationally significant material, on which its reputation and very soul had been proudly built. Instead it's perception has undergone a radical shift and the country is seen as not so desirable and not so beautiful.
Misheck Masamvu an emerging young painter, is willing to move beyond the immediately commercial ,as seen in his Gentleman's Hustle.2011. He remarked 'I wish to produce a body of work pregnant of optimism and hope. I wish to stimulate positive energy and bring to attention the need to create new emblems and motifs that encourages dialogue. I desire to find alternative solutions to the sometimes dire circumstances we come across '.
Visit Venice and see for yourself !
Elise Godsell
Illuminazioni
La Biennale di Venezia
Until 27 November 2011
Manifesto:a means of expression
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