Zimbabwe: Art
Ramina Moushi
Masks were used as art
Art has always been viewed, throughout the world, with a message behind the pretty picture or sculpture. There has always been a story in every piece of art. Zimbabwe’s history has been captured and kept in their pieces of art, each one telling a story of Zimbabwe’s past. Zimbabwean art comes in many forms, such as masks, drums, literature, beadwork, carving, sculpture and more (Abc-Clio). After the struggle for independence, today there are new economical struggles for artists, art-sellers, and other people associated with the art of Zimbabwe, due to the political instability. But at the same time, the artistic literature of Zimbabwe is booming with brilliance and creativity.
Life has been difficult for artists in Zimbabwe, so difficult that many artists had to move out of their country to find jobs. Political situations have gotten worse in the country of Zimbabwe (ProQuest). Not only artists, but art-dealers are having a hard time selling true Zimbabwean art since there hasn’t been anything valuable enough to sell. Situations have gotten so bad in Zimbabwe, that artists, particularly sculpters had to move to other countries, such as the United States, looking for work to do If nothing happens to save Zimbabwe’s economy, therefore saving the careers of artists and art-dealers, the masterpieces created by Zimbabwean artists wouldn’t be worth anything (Britannica Online).
While the sculptures have not been attracting attention, Zimbabwe’s literature has been blossoming with brilliant pieces of literature, appealing to everyone(Proquest). Zimbabwe’s independence led to a rebirth of Shona culture with talented authors such as Charles Mungoshi, Dambudzo Marechera, and Soloman Mangwiro Mutswairo. These authors have stressed the alienation of Zimbabweans as they adopt Western, urban ways of life (Abc-Clio). They certainly have influenced readers and listeners since the literature has been extremely successful nowadays in Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe has gone through many changes since they had their independence. Both positively and negatively, their past experiences with colonization impacted their culture today. Again, today there are new economical struggles for artists, art-sellers, and other people associated with the art of Zimbabwe, due to the political instability. But at the same time, the artistic literature of Zimbabwe is booming with brilliance and creativity. There could be some changes in the future with the differences in popularity. Also, the economy of Zimbabwe can change, meaning there will be a rise in the regard of Zimbabwean sculptures and paintings.
Life has been difficult for artists in Zimbabwe, so difficult that many artists had to move out of their country to find jobs. Political situations have gotten worse in the country of Zimbabwe (ProQuest). Not only artists, but art-dealers are having a hard time selling true Zimbabwean art since there hasn’t been anything valuable enough to sell. Situations have gotten so bad in Zimbabwe, that artists, particularly sculpters had to move to other countries, such as the United States, looking for work to do If nothing happens to save Zimbabwe’s economy, therefore saving the careers of artists and art-dealers, the masterpieces created by Zimbabwean artists wouldn’t be worth anything (Britannica Online).
While the sculptures have not been attracting attention, Zimbabwe’s literature has been blossoming with brilliant pieces of literature, appealing to everyone(Proquest). Zimbabwe’s independence led to a rebirth of Shona culture with talented authors such as Charles Mungoshi, Dambudzo Marechera, and Soloman Mangwiro Mutswairo. These authors have stressed the alienation of Zimbabweans as they adopt Western, urban ways of life (Abc-Clio). They certainly have influenced readers and listeners since the literature has been extremely successful nowadays in Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe has gone through many changes since they had their independence. Both positively and negatively, their past experiences with colonization impacted their culture today. Again, today there are new economical struggles for artists, art-sellers, and other people associated with the art of Zimbabwe, due to the political instability. But at the same time, the artistic literature of Zimbabwe is booming with brilliance and creativity. There could be some changes in the future with the differences in popularity. Also, the economy of Zimbabwe can change, meaning there will be a rise in the regard of Zimbabwean sculptures and paintings.
Robert Mugabe with ancient Zimbabwean sculpture, 'Zimbabwe Bird'
Works Cited
Van Wyk, Gary. "Zimbabwe: Legacies of Stone, Past and Present." African Arts. 32. 1 1999. 17. eLibrary. Proquest CSA. 18 May 2009. <http://elibrary.bigchalk.com>
I used this source mainly for my introduction paragraph. I got most of that information here. It gave me background information that was very useful for my essay.
“Zimbabwe.” Encyclopedia Britannica. 2009. Encyclopedia Britannica Online. 13 May 2009 <http://search.eb.com/eb/article-44163>.
I used this source for my first paragraph mostly, and added it on to other paragraphs. It was helpful because it gave me very useful information about Zimbabwean literature.
“Zimbabwe: Arts and Landmarks.” World Geography. 2009. ABC-CLIO. 13 May 2009 <http://www.worldgeography.abc-clio.com>.
I used this source to give information about artwork like sculptures and paintings in Zimbabwe.
I used this source mainly for my introduction paragraph. I got most of that information here. It gave me background information that was very useful for my essay.
“Zimbabwe.” Encyclopedia Britannica. 2009. Encyclopedia Britannica Online. 13 May 2009 <http://search.eb.com/eb/article-44163>.
I used this source for my first paragraph mostly, and added it on to other paragraphs. It was helpful because it gave me very useful information about Zimbabwean literature.
“Zimbabwe: Arts and Landmarks.” World Geography. 2009. ABC-CLIO. 13 May 2009 <http://www.worldgeography.abc-clio.com>.
I used this source to give information about artwork like sculptures and paintings in Zimbabwe.
Last updated by Ramina Moushi on 5/21/09
