Zim female sculptors takes Europe by storm

ONE of the few Zimbabwean iconic female sculptors, Charity Bandason, has taken Europe by storm.

Bandason travelled to Europe last month for a three-month visit, her first stop being the Netherlands where she was invited to be a guest of honour at the Titambire Art Gallery based in Etten-Leur as the gallery celebrates more than 12 years of existence. Titambire Art Gallery is owned by Linda De Vos.

The gallery consists of works by Alica Musarara, Edmore Sango, Takemore Gengezha, Fanizani Akuda and Bandason, among other artefacts from Zimbabwe.

"Since I arrived here last month, I have been treated warmly by my hosts, Titambire Art Gallery owners, and I am truly honoured that they chose me to be a guest of honour in their celebration of 12-and-a-half years' existence," said Bandason.

Sculpting has always been considered the preserve of men, but some women, out to disprove this "taboo", are excelling in the art.
Only daring women such as Bandason and a few other female veteran sculptors have taken up sculpting as a profession.

"Generally, people back home are amazed that I am venturing in something which is supposed to be a man's realm because I am always ladylike and it's hard to imagine me sculpting," added Bandason.

She said Zimbabwean sculpture is still popular in some European countries and fetching high prices there.
"Our sculpture is still common and popular in Europe to the extent that dealers here (Netherlands) sell them at exorbitant prices. It occurred to me that we are selling them too cheap back home," Bandason said.

"My fear is that if we keep on selling our treasured sculpture at a giveaway they might lose value, if they haven't already. Zimbabwean sculptors are forced to sell their art pieces at whatever price made available because their main goal is to earn a living."

Bandason also reiterated that Western media are not doing justice to Zimbabwe as they continue spreading negative information about the country.

"Besides the fact that Europeans are in love with our sculpture, the media has not been doing us justice as a lot of negative publicity about Zimbabwe seems to be the order of the day," explained Bandason.

"But I told those I have made contact with that their media can publish whatever they want and, if they choose to listen to it, that is their decision, but the bottom line is that they are missing out on what the country has to offer.

"Interestingly some of my friends want to invest in Zimbabwe so I just pray that they will. After all, every nation has its own troubles so that doesn't make Zimbabwe a special case."

Since her arrival in the Netherlands, Bandason has managed to clinch some sales and has gained publicity in the local papers in that country.
Bandason has also been invited to exhibit in the Kunst Route where they commemorate Vincent Willem Van Gogh's life and achievements.

Van Gogh was a Dutch post-impressionist painter whose work, notable for its rough beauty, emotional honesty and bold colour, had a far-reaching influence on 20th century art.

After her stay in the Netherlands, Bandason will make another stop in Germany where she has been invited to participate in exhibitions and workshops at Gallery Into Africa.

Growing up amongst religious folk in Guruve where most dwellers did not till the land for food as their faith was against it but rather concentrated on making a living through selling stone art, baskets and pottery, Bandason found a calling in sculture.

At the time of familiarising herself with stone sculpture, she used to pester the late Bernard Matemera, asking him a lot of questions about sculpting.

Bandason started out repairing some broken pieces, finishing some pieces and just observing how veteran sculptors worked their way around stone.

Though Bandason is expending her energies on fine art, creative art is what she knows best and she also derives inspiration from God's word and creations, her personal life experiences and her children.