Zimbabwe: Art, Symbol and Meaning Press mentions

October 25, 2020 Duncan Wylie

Tonga sleeping hut on stilts, ngazi. — Tonga sleeping hut on stilts, *ngazi.*

Zimbabwe: Art, Symbol and Meaning has already received notable mentions and reviews in the international press. Here is a list of quotes from arts journalists and prominent figures in African art and history. You can read further details in the links below.

'Replete with historical and contemporary photographs taken across Zimbabwe of religious and cultural objects in context and in use in a way which is impossible to articulate in a museum display and almost impossible to gain access to for outsiders.' - Valerie Kabov, First Floor Gallery Harare Director and Arts Editor ART AFRICA

'At a time when the Zimbabwean people face terrible challenges of disenfranchisement, starvation and the literal and spiritual dissolution of their culture, this significant celebration of rich and beautiful traditions could not be more pressing.' - Gordon Glyn-Jones, Arts Editor The South African

‘The birds are among the most symbolic cultural objects of our time,’ the head of Zimbabwe's national museums, Godfrey Mahachi, told AFP news agency. ‘They connect the present with our past.’ - Al Jazeera

'It was with great pleasure and excitement opening the book just received now. WOW seeing it live is just amazing, it carries so much important content I can relate to so well as I went through the book. I must say Congratulations and really you pulled through something that no one will delete. Thank you and Duncan. The images make me want to be home. ' – Virginia Chihota, Zimbabwean Artist

‘In a rare move last month, four of the statues were temporarily set on the original plinths from where they were stolen at the Great Zimbabwe monument. The heavy figurines, some standing at about 1.5 metres (4.9 feet), were moved from an on-site museum and placed outdoors on pedestals for a photoshoot. Their pictures were taken for a book on ancient African art – Zimbabwe: Art, Symbol and Meaning – to be published in September.’ - Zimbabwe Voice

'I have received the two books that I ordered. Bravo, it's a truly magnificent work, very elegant, very qualitative. And the photographs are absolutely remarkable. It's a feast!' - Daniela Franck, Arts Management Professional

'I just received your book Zimbabwe Art, symbole et sens at home today. It is a really wonderful book that I am so happy to discover ! The quality of the photos, the density of the documentation and the overview of all the traditions and art of Zimbabwe, I couldn't imagine a more beautiful book.' - Franck Bordas, Publisher and Printmaker

Hot off the Press: Zimbabwe: Art, Symbol and Meaning getting printed

September 12, 2020 Duncan Wylie

A really exciting moment for us to witness the knowledge and experiences of a lifetime in the Zimbabwean art world transmitted into a highly quality publication of excellent printing standards, for the next generations to discover the richness and importance of the sub-Saharan African and Zimbabwean art, philosophy, and culture.

This book tells the visual story of Zimbabwe's artistic heritage, linking the masters of Zimbabwean art to some of the most prominent contemporary figures in the African art world today.

You can now order your copy in English or French here.

What is the importance of this book? Author Gillian Atherstone explains

June 1, 2020 Duncan Wylie

Meeting at National Gallery of Zimbabwe

March 2, 2020 Duncan Wylie

Gill Atherstone, Doreen Sibanda, Vote Thebe, National gallery of Zimbabwe, February 2020.

The 12th Century Zimbabwe Bird stone sculptures back in the ruins of Great Zimbabwe, a symbolic statement to end the photographic work.

February 29, 2020 Duncan Wylie

This week we ended the photographic work with the very symbolic statement of photographing 4 of the legendary Zimbabwe Birds which were put back in their original settings in the Great Zimbabwe Ruins with the permission of National Monuments and Museums Zimbabwe, and the help of their wonderful staff, for this unique occasion. This would not have been possible without the help of the National Gallery of Zimbabwe, and is a historic first since the stone birds were removed by the colonialists in the 19th century. I have also photographed the Zimbabwe Bird which remains in Cecil Rhodes's bedroom at the Groote Schuur museum in Cape Town. We have photographed in high definition, 5 of the 8 existing 12/13th century mythological Stone Birds of Great Zimbabwe for our publication, giving a glimpse into a thousand year old Shona art form, and tracing its links with the art of the recent past. The book concludes with a cameo on Zimbabwean contemporary art. You can pre-order your copy and witness the results yourself.