Zimbabwe’s Creative Spirit Shines on the Global Stage…

… as Five Artists Leave for the 61st International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia

Art Buzz – Zimbabwe’s visual arts sector continues to break new ground on the international stage, as the Minister of Sports, Arts, Recreation and Culture, Hon. Lt. Gen. Anselem Nhamo Sanyatwe (Rtd), has officially announced the five artists who will represent the nation at the prestigious 61st International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia in Italy.

The selected artists — Felix Shumba, Eva Raath, Gideon Gomo, Franklyn Dzingai, and Pardon Mapondera — will form the core of the 8th Zimbabwe Pavilion, an artistic showcase that has steadily positioned Zimbabwe as a formidable presence in the global contemporary art scene.

This year’s Zimbabwe Pavilion will be presented under the evocative theme “Second Nature / Manyonga”, a title that invites deep reflection on humanity’s relationship with environment, identity, and the spiritual essence of creativity.

Announcing the delegation, Minister Sanyatwe applauded the artists for their dedication, innovation, and commitment to excellence.

“These five artists represent the best of Zimbabwe’s creative energy. Their work reflects not only individual brilliance but the collective story of our nation — its resilience, its diversity, and its cultural depth,” he said.

The Minister further noted that Zimbabwe’s participation at La Biennale di Venezia — one of the oldest and most prestigious art exhibitions in the world — underscores the government’s commitment to supporting the creative industries as a vital component of national development and international diplomacy.

“Our artists are our ambassadors,” Hon. Sanyatwe added. “They carry with them the voice of Zimbabwe — a voice of innovation, hope, and beauty. Through their work, the world gets to see who we are and what we stand for.”

Each of the five selected artists brings a unique creative language, shaped by diverse experiences and rooted in Zimbabwe’s rich cultural soil.

Felix Shumba is known for his exploration of environmental themes and abstract forms that interrogate the relationship between humanity and the natural world.

His work often merges traditional symbols with modern aesthetics, challenging viewers to rethink notions of sustainability and spiritual connection to land.

Eva Raath, an emerging contemporary artist, uses multimedia installations to explore identity, transformation, and the interplay between the organic and synthetic.

Her practice reflects a deep engagement with the idea of second nature — what becomes instinctive to us as individuals and societies in the face of change.

Gideon Gomo, a sculptor of exceptional repute, is renowned for his mastery in stone and metalwork. His art often draws from Shona mythology, reflecting themes of ancestry, memory, and the sacred bond between the physical and metaphysical realms.

Franklyn Dzingai, celebrated for his dynamic prints and vibrant imagery, captures the energy of contemporary urban life while reflecting traditional motifs.

His work bridges past and present, offering a dialogue between Zimbabwe’s cultural heritage and its evolving modern identity.

Pardon Mapondera, a visual storyteller, is known for his intricate drawings and mixed-media compositions.

His pieces often engage with the social and political fabric of Zimbabwean life, using metaphor and symbolism to examine resilience, community, and transformation.

Together, these artists embody the diversity and innovation of Zimbabwe’s visual arts sector.

The theme “Second Nature / Manyonga” — derived from the Shona concept manyonga, which suggests regeneration, adaptation, and the cyclical rhythms of nature — is a powerful curatorial statement.

It explores the ways in which Zimbabwean artists reinterpret the concept of nature, identity, and belonging in a world increasingly defined by hybridity and transformation.

In an era marked by environmental challenges, cultural shifts, and rapid globalization, the theme invites both artists and audiences to consider how instinct, tradition, and creativity evolve together.

The Pavilion will present works that reflect the tensions and harmonies between the natural and the constructed, the ancestral and the futuristic, the personal and the communal.

Since its inaugural participation, Zimbabwe’s Pavilion at La Biennale di Venezia has earned critical acclaim for its thought-provoking and culturally resonant exhibitions. Over the years, it has provided a platform for Zimbabwean artists to engage in global dialogue, share their narratives, and showcase the nation’s dynamic visual culture.

Zimbabwe’s consistent presence at the Biennale stands as a testament to the country’s commitment to the arts and its belief in the power of creativity as a bridge between nations.

The Pavilion has become both a site of artistic excellence and a space for reimagining African narratives on the world stage.

The selection of the five artists is not only a personal achievement for each of them but a collective moment of pride for the nation.

It reaffirms the strength of Zimbabwe’s creative ecosystem — nurtured by local galleries, art institutions, cultural organizations, and community initiatives that continue to inspire emerging talent.

As preparations intensify ahead of the exhibition’s opening, the Ministry of Sports, Arts, Recreation and Culture, together with the National Gallery of Zimbabwe and various partners, will provide logistical and curatorial support to ensure the Pavilion’s success.

Zimbabwe’s participation at the Biennale also contributes to the broader goals of cultural diplomacy, showcasing the nation’s creative capacity and fostering global connections in the arts.

The announcement has been met with excitement and support across Zimbabwe’s artistic community.

Many have hailed it as a major milestone in advancing the visibility of local talent on international platforms.

“This is a proud moment for Zimbabwe,” said one curator from the National Gallery. “These artists carry with them the stories, dreams, and spirit of our people. Their selection speaks to the world-class quality of Zimbabwean art.”

As the artists prepare to journey to Venice, Zimbabweans at home and abroad rally behind them with words of encouragement and celebration.

“Let us congratulate our artists — Felix Shumba, Eva Raath, Gideon Gomo, Franklyn Dzingai, and Pardon Mapondera — on their well-deserved selection. We wish them great fortune as they embark on this great exposition. May their creativity shine bright, illuminating Zimbabwe’s story on the global stage.” Lt. General Rtd. Sanyatwe asserted.

Indeed, as the Zimbabwe Pavilion opens its doors at the 61st International Art Exhibition, the world will once again witness the creative brilliance of a nation whose art speaks not only to its history, but to the promise of its future.