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“The Basket Case II” exhibition is a European Union-funded initiative that is facilitated by the European Union National Institutes for Culture cluster members encompassing the British Council, Alliance Francaise and the Goethe Institute. “The Basket Case II” brings together artists, designers from the EUNIC cluster and grassroots organisations from around Zimbabwe.

The artists and designers hailing from the EUNIC cluster group countries include Matali Crasset and Michel Paysant from France, Alexandra Bircken and Sebastian Herkner from Germany, Delaine Le Bas from the United Kingdom and the two participants from African countries present in the show namely Ifeoma Anyaeji from Nigeria and Tapfuma Gutsa from Zimbabwe.

“The Basket Case II” opened on October 31 and will be running up until December 2014 at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe and the showcase of contemporary basketry details innovation and progress for all parties involved in the creative process of the entire collective on the project.

One of the works in this collectivised exhibition is “Scania” by Bulawayo Home Industries and Alexandra Bircken. The work is essentially comprised of a metal-framed scotchcart whose structure is reinforced into a pyramid shape. The thatching reminds one of a hut’s roof and the framework beneath separates the top part from the mainframe which includes carefully woven blades that create a patterned wall at the base.

“Scania” is a work that suggests movement and direction whilst preserving heritage, knowledge and customs through the juxtaposition of an agrarian implement of foreign origin and a structure that is a local landmark. This presents the viewer with the illusion of a granary and what lies inside this portable structure is of an interesting insight. Two mirror panes are placed at the floor of the structure and the reflection of the interior of the walls and roof create space that expands downwards. Bircken is known to make use of mirrors in her artworks and this illusion complements the handicraft of the Bulawayo Home Industries weavers perfectly.

A representative of Bulawayo Home Industries commended the impact “The Basket Case II” had made on their community by stating that their experience with Bircken was very enlightening as to the creative process artists take when they embark on making art and believed that the same mindset was now being applied by the craftspeople at Bulawayo Home Industries as they now have new and innovative means to market their crafts through “The Basket Case II” experience. Bircken stated that she usually does not work in a group set-up, however, “The Basket Case II” aided her in being able to work in a co-operative effort and that she walked away from the experience with a new outlook on weaving and craft.

The issue of community development which lies at the core of the project is present in the approach the artists and organisations utilised. Bircken stated that each woman who had a hand in the execution of the artworks has their style present in the resultant works and that these skilled craftspeople make a living of co-operation

“Scania” represents a collectivised effort and philosophy that defines the potential community projects in Zimbabwe have in building the future.