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Calvin Dondo

Entertainment Reporter
In an effort to influence greater appreciation of photography, Gwanza, Zimbabwe’s annual photographic showcase, will hold its 13th edition in multiple venues across the city of Harare.
The photographic exhibition which runs from August 19 to September 19 under the theme “Moonwalking” will feature 60 photographers from Zimbabwe and the continent.

“Artists were invited to submit an alternative reality through lens-based media that moves beyond what has been dubbed afropessimistic or clichéd images, which perpetuate a one-dimensional view of the continent. And instead capture images that shift the perspective of the viewer by transforming the mundane into something magical,” said Dana Whabira, curator of the show and artistic director of Njelele Art Station.

Whabira added that this year’s month long exhibition will showcase photographic works that offer an alternative view of Harare in particular, and the continent in general.

“It is a wonderful opportunity to promote our fantastic photography, beautiful spaces and incredible city to the world. The exhibition seeks to challenge, delight, educate and illuminate.”

The aim is to engage the general public by intervening in their daily routine through the display of photographic works in internal spaces where they spend periods of time waiting in the city centre. It aims to change perspectives and to transform everyday experience into the extraordinary.

Contemporary photographic works will enliven the spaces and enhance an attractive, creative and inspiring environment for both staff and visitors.
“We are taking the show to the people, right in front of them because many people do not go to galleries and never dream of going into exhibitions. I’m really looking forward to it and I think it’s going to engage more people and give a different kind of response,” said Calvin Dondo, founder and director of Gwanza Arts, which manages the exhibition. Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi, co-founder and director of Gwanza Arts added,

“It is my hope that this years Gwanza will play a pivotal role in changing the perspective view of the country as we strive to showcase something positive that we hope will bring a glow to the millions of Zimbabweans and beyond”

Some of the photographers from outside Zimbabwe who are participating in the month long exhibition include Walter Fernandes, Angola; Sammy Baloji, DRC; Mauro Pinto, Mozambique; Andrew Tshabangu, South Africa; Neo Ntsoma, South Africa; Mwanzo Mwalinga, Tanzania; Felix Masi, Kenya, amongst others.

The Gwanza Month of Photography 2014 is being supported by the Culture Fund of Zimbabwe Trust and the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Zimbabwe, and Pro Helvetia, the Swiss Arts Council, and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation.