Matopo Women Artists Unveil Vibrant Wall Paintings in Bulawayo
Seven women artists from Matopo have unveiled vibrant wall paintings adorning the exterior Jairos Jiri Centre in Bulawayo. The project, supported by the German government and the City of Bulawayo, aims to preserve and promote traditional Matopo art forms and incorporate new materials. The wall paintings, a part of a multi-year project, also aim to boost tourism and promote Matopo designs.
The event, presided over by German Ambassador to Zimbabwe, His Excellency Ambassador Udo Volz, celebrated the culmination of a multi-year project that has sought to preserve and promote the traditional art form of the Matopo region.
“For us, this is another step in the journey that has started like two, two and a half, three years ago. And it’s all standing on the work of my beautiful home,” Ambassador Volz said in his remarks.
Original Setting
He added, “Because if it wasn’t for their work of 10 years, my colleague Katrin who is here, wouldn’t have had an opportunity to do these paintings in the original setting maybe. Maybe they would have disappeared by now.”
The paintings, which adorn the exterior walls of the Jairos Jiri Centre, draw inspiration from the intricate patterns and vibrant colours that have long characterised the traditional hut paintings of the Matopo. However, the artists have also incorporated new techniques and materials, elevating the art form to new heights.
“They have taken on different material, which has been greatly sponsored by masters paints and hardware. So they’re not using the temporary material here but the one that will last. And I hope it will last very long for everyone to see what has been applied to this building on this side,” Ambassador Volz explained.
Step Forward
“This is another step for us. Especially for the ladies themselves, because they have taken on different material, which has been greatly sponsored by masters paints and hardware,” Ambassador Volz noted.
The project, which has been supported by the German government through the Ambassador’s ministry, is part of a broader effort to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of the Matopo region. This includes initiatives to incorporate the traditional designs into fashion, as well as efforts to boost tourism to the area.
“We have talked to artists in Bulawayo, to artist fashion designers in Harare. And I may say they are extremely excited to select designs of this vast number of designs that are available now, with each artist being identified for the next phase of the project,” Ambassador Volz said.
Spreading Influence
The Ambassador also expressed his hope that the wall paintings would inspire others to commission similar works, further spreading the influence of the Matopo artistic tradition.
“If you find a site of your house you want to be painted beautifully and in synchronicity with the tradition, you may invite them for a fee to come and paint for you the wall on your house and to make it more widespread and more visible for everyone,” he said.
With the unveiling of the Jairos Jiri wall paintings, the Matopo women artists have left an indelible mark on the cultural fabric of Bulawayo, showcasing the enduring strength and innovation of their artistic heritage.
Increased Tourism
Speaking during the event, Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart called for increased tourism to the Matopo region after the unveiling of Jairos Jiri wall paintings.
Coltart issued a impassioned challenge to the German Embassy and Zimbabwean government to capitalise on the region’s immense tourism potential.
“There is enormous tourism potential in places like Matopo and see the art demonstrated in this building today,” Coltart said during his remarks.
Cultural Heritage
He added, “People from the west will marvel if they are enabled to get out into those rural areas to see this art in its original form, to see how it is done by the people who demonstrate such incredible art.”
Coltart expressed hope that the success of the Jairos Jiri wall paintings would encourage further exploration and appreciation of Matopo’s cultural heritage.
He remarked, “Even in this year, this dreadful drought year, you will see these homes this year have been painted and are, I say the word again, magnificent,” he noted.
Collaboration
The mayor called on the German government and Zimbabwean authorities to build upon this initiative, urging them to facilitate greater access for tourists to experience the Matopo region’s vibrant artistic traditions firsthand.
“My hope is that this is just the beginning of my beautiful home, that this magnificent art will encourage people to come out into the world,” Coltart said.
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