Several Zimbabwean artists, including the group Rooftop Promotions, have been arrested recently and Owen Maseko was arrested last year for his exhibition that chronicled the Matabeleland atrocities that were carried out by President Robert
Mugabe and his fifth brigade.
European Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Aldo Dell’ Ariccia last week said that even in dire situations, people still found their voices in artistic works.
“No repressive state can kill artistic expression; there are dramatic examples in the concentration camps when people expressed themselves. Art is the last form of expression and it is a way of democracy,” said Ariccia.
In Zimbabwe musicians have suffered heavily from the banning of their music on the radio by Zanu (PF). Many people are terrorised for listening to songs that comment on the status of the country and one classical example of the repressive machinations of Mugabe’s rule is the fleeing into exile of Chimurenga music maestro, Thomas Mapfumo.
Despite the repression, Aldo added that the country had a vibrant art industry.
“We have vibrant freedom of expression through art which is constructive and provides answers and hope to Zimbabweans,” said Aldo.
The EU in collaboration with the National Art Gallery is currently hosting an exhibition titled Continental Dialogues that is designed to honour the relationships between Zimbabwe and the EU over the years. Apart from celebrating relations the show is also meant to fund raise for the National Gallery.
Post published in: News