An Interview with Curator Fadzai Veronica Muchemwa on the Country’s Participation at the 60th International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia, entitled ‘Stranieri Ovunque – Foreigners Everywhere’ and curated by Adriano Pedrosa.
Pavilion of Zimbabwe, ‘Undone’. 60th International Art Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia. Photo by: Andrea Avezzù. Courtesy of La Biennale di Venezia.
The Zimbabwe Pavilion at La Biennale di Venezia has become a vital platform for showcasing the country’s rich artistic heritage and contemporary innovations. Participation in this prestigious global event has significantly boosted Zimbabwe’s cultural diplomacy, allowing the nation to project its unique artistic identity to an international audience. By featuring a diverse range of artists, the Pavilion highlights the breadth and depth of Zimbabwean art, fostering cross-cultural dialogue and enhancing global awareness. This approach has attracted international partnerships and collaborations, positioning Zimbabwe prominently within the global art market. The Pavilion’s curatorial strategy aligns with the 60th Biennale’s emphasis on diverse perspectives from the Global South, contributing to a broader narrative in the global art discourse. At the forefront of these efforts is Fadzai Veronica Muchemwa, whose role as curator brings expertise and a strategic vision that elevates Zimbabwe’s presence on the international stage.
ART AFRICA: How has Zimbabwe’s participation in La Biennale di Venezia contributed to the country’s cultural diplomacy efforts and international cooperation?
Fadzai Veronica Muchemwa: Zimbabwe’s involvement in La Biennale di Venezia, one of the world’s most prestigious contemporary art exhibitions, has significantly bolstered its cultural diplomacy and international cooperation. The country has been able to project its cultural heritage, contemporary artistic practices, and unique perspectives to an international audience by showcasing Zimbabwean art on such a prominent platform and promoting Zimbabwe’s distinctive artistic identity. This participation has fostered cross-cultural dialogue and enhanced global awareness of Zimbabwe’s rich artistic tradition, encouraging international partnerships and collaborations. Moreover, it has allowed Zimbabwe to position itself within the global art market, attracting worldwide attention from collectors, curators, and art institutions. This awareness has led to more opportunities for Zimbabwean artists and cultural exchange. Zimbabwe’s La Biennale di Venezia participation enhances its cultural diplomacy efforts. Showcasing artists globally and Zimbabwe’s participation in the La Biennale di Venezia is a powerful platform for cultural diplomacy. 
Pavilion of Zimbabwe, ‘Undone’. 60th International Art Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia. Photo by: Andrea Avezzù. Courtesy of La Biennale di Venezia.
Several artists were selected to represent Zimbabwe this year, while many pavilions have chosen to present a single artist. Is there a specific reason for this?
The choice to present multiple or single artists at the Venice Biennale often reflects different curatorial strategies and objectives. When pavilions feature a single artist, it allows for a focused, in-depth exploration of that artist’s work and a more coherent narrative or thematic presentation. This approach can create a robust and singular impact, making it easier for visitors to engage deeply with the artist’s vision and work. For Zimbabwe, however, featuring several artists in this instance Moffat Takadiwa, Gillian Rosselli, Victor Nyakauru, Sekai Machache, Troy Makaza and Kombo Chapfika indicates our desire to showcase a broader spectrum of the country’s contemporary art scene, offering a more diverse representation of its artistic landscape and demonstrating the range of voices and styles within Zimbabwean art.
What significance does the appointment of Raphael Chikukwa as the Pavilion Commissioner and Fadzai Veronica Muchemwa as the curator hold for Zimbabwe’s presence at the Venice Biennale, considering the achievements of past alumni?
The appointments of Raphael Chikukwa as Pavilion Commissioner and Fadzai Veronica Muchemwa as curator are highly significant for Zimbabwe’s presence at the Venice Biennale. Raphael Chikukwa, with his extensive experience as an arts administrator and curator, brings a wealth of knowledge and strategic vision to the Pavilion’s representation. His role ensures effective coordination and promotion of Zimbabwe’s presence. My role as the curator is to shape the thematic and artistic direction of the Pavilion, drawing on my experience and expertise to create a compelling and coherent presentation. Our appointments align with the achievements of past Zimbabwean alumni by continuing to elevate the country’s profile on the international stage and ensuring that the presentation reflects the country’s artistic heritage and contemporary innovations.
Pavilion of Zimbabwe, ‘Undone’. 60th International Art Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia. Photo by: Andrea Avezzù. Courtesy of La Biennale di Venezia.
How does Zimbabwe’s participation align with the broader themes and narratives promoted by the 60th Biennale’s curatorial direction, particularly regarding the representation of Global South perspectives?
The 60th Biennale’s curatorial direction emphasises diverse perspectives and narratives from the Global South, focusing on historically marginalised or underrepresented voices in the global art discourse. Zimbabwe’s participation aligns with this theme by contributing its unique perspective from the Global South, showcasing how its artists engage with and respond to global issues, local histories, and contemporary challenges. This alignment helps to broaden the Biennale’s narrative scope and enrich the dialogue surrounding global art practices, offering visitors a more inclusive and varied understanding of the world’s artistic landscape. Zimbabwe’s kududunuka theme resonates with the Biennale’s focus on diverse perspectives and evolving global landscapes. The concept of kududunuka in the Zimbabwe Pavilion explores unravelling ideas related to time, identity, migration, and humanity. This theme resonates with the Biennale’s focus on diverse perspectives and the ever-changing landscape of our world.
Since its inauguration, the Pavilion of Zimbabwe has seen many of its alumni participate in a number of high-profile exhibitions. Can you share some of these artists and their achievements with us?
Several Zimbabwean artists who have represented the country at the Venice Biennale have achieved significant recognition in the international art scene. Portia Zvavahera, Virginia Chihota, Misheck Masamvu, Calvin Dondo, Berenice Bickle, Tapfuma Gutsa, Voti Thebe, Sylvester Mubayi, Dana Whabira, Admire Kamudzengerere, Kresiah Mukwazhi, Michele Mathison, Rashid Jogee, Charles Bhebhe, Chiko Chazunguza, Masimba Hwati, Gareth Nyandoro, Kudzanai Violet Hwami, Gina Maxim, Neville Starling, Cosmas Shiridzinomwa, Wallen Mapondera, Terence Musekiwa and Ronald Muchatuta. It is an impressive roster of Zimbabwean talent. While I can’t confirm specific exhibition details for each artist, I can offer some general context about their significance.
Pavilion of Zimbabwe, ‘Undone’. 60th International Art Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia. Photo by: Andrea Avezzù. Courtesy of La Biennale di Venezia.
This list represents a diverse range of contemporary Zimbabwean artists, spanning different generations and artistic approaches. Many of these artists have gained international recognition, which speaks to the growing global interest in contemporary African art, particularly from Zimbabwe. Artists like Portia Zvavahera, Virginia Chihota, and Kudzanai Violet Hwami have recently received significant international attention, exhibiting their works in major galleries and museums worldwide. The presence of established artists like Tapfuma Gutsa and Sylvester Mubayi alongside younger artists demonstrates the continuity and evolution of Zimbabwe’s art scene. This group represents various mediums, including painting, sculpture, photography, and mixed media, showcasing the diversity of Zimbabwe’s contemporary art practices. Several of these artists, such as Misheck Masamvu and Gareth Nyandoro, have been featured in international biennales and art fairs, further elevating the profile of Zimbabwean art.
Including diaspora artists like Michele Mathison, Kudzanai Violet Hwami, and Ronald Muchatuta highlights the global nature of Zimbabwe’s art community. Many of these artists engage with themes of identity, history, and social issues, reflecting broader trends in contemporary African art. This list suggests that the Pavilion of Zimbabwe has been a significant platform for launching and promoting Zimbabwean artists internationally. It’s a testament to the vibrancy and quality of Zimbabwe’s contemporary art scene.
The Zimbabwe Pavilion will be on view until the 25th of November, 2024.
