by Staff Writer
From May 25 to July 20, 2024, the Marta Czok Foundation in Venice hosts a profoundly evocative exhibition titled "Embodied Histories," curated by Alice Montanini under the auspices of the Embassy of the Republic of Zimbabwe. This landmark exhibition marks the debut of Zimbabwean artists Peter Musami and Mukudzei Muzondo in Italy, showcasing their deeply resonant explorations into memory, trauma, and cultural heritage within the context of Zimbabwe's complex history.
Peter Musami and Mukudzei Muzondo's artistic narratives intertwine to create a poignant dialogue on the human experience as shaped by historical turbulence. Rooted in Shona cultural backgrounds, their works transcend mere aesthetic expression to delve into the visceral landscapes of trauma and resilience.
Muzondo’s figurative storytelling is a central pillar of the exhibition, weaving together personal narratives with broader historical themes. His compositions, rich in symbolism and historical references, capture the enduring struggles and innate resilience of Zimbabwean society. Through intricate layers, Muzondo confronts the socio-political realities and cultural identities forged amid Zimbabwe's tumultuous past, challenging viewers to contemplate the impact of colonial legacies on contemporary Zimbabwe. Born in Kwekwe in 1983, Muzondo is a graduate of the Harare Polytechnic where he majored in Fine Art. He was a resident artists at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe in Harare. He lives and works in Harare
Musami’s artistry, on the other hand, manifests through textured collage works that speak to the fragmented psyche of a nation grappling with its history. His large-scale collages, infused with political undertones, evoke a sense of emotional reckoning with the past. Each piece is a mosaic of memories, torn and reassembled into vibrant compositions that symbolize both the wounds inflicted by history and the healing potential of artistic expression. Musami lives and works in Harare, his birthplace and is a product of the National gallery of Zimbabwe Visual Arts and Design School.
The exhibition "Embodied Histories" transcends conventional boundaries by inviting viewers to engage with a multifaceted narrative. It challenges us to confront the non-linear complexities of trauma and the enduring legacy of colonialism. Musami and Muzondo’s artworks serve as poignant reminders of the resilience inherent in Zimbabwean cultural identity—a testament to the human spirit’s capacity to heal through artistic expression.
Set against the backdrop of the 60th edition of the La Biennale di Venezia, curated by Adriano Pedrosa, this exhibition enriches the global discourse on contemporary art. It amplifies voices often marginalized by dominant narratives, offering a profound reflection on cultural diversity and historical reckoning in today’s interconnected world.
Complementing the exhibition is a digital catalogue featuring critical insights by curator Alice Montanini and unpublished interviews with Musami and Muzondo, curated by Valerie Sithole from the National Gallery of Zimbabwe in Mutare. This bilingual publication, in Italian and English, provides a scholarly framework for understanding the deeper layers of artistic intention and historical resonance embedded within "Embodied Histories."
"Embodied Histories" emerges not merely as an exhibition but as a transformative cultural exchange, bridging Zimbabwean artistic narratives with international audiences in Venice. Through the profound expressions of Musami and Muzondo, viewers are invited to traverse the intricate landscapes of memory, trauma, and cultural identity—a testament to art’s enduring power to illuminate, reconcile, and heal across temporal and geographical boundaries.
This exhibition is a a Zerial Art Project in Partnership with the Tenuta Conte Romano.
For more information contact Elisabetta Zerial at info@zerialartproject.com
Marta Czok Foundation, Campo Rialto Novo, 544, 30124 Venice
Opening time: Tuesday - Saturday, from 10:30 am to 7:30 pm
Σχόλια