Witness Bonjisi's "Witness", made from opal stone. One of the Zimbabwean sculptures on display at Zimsculpt at VanDusen Botanical Garden. Photo: Dana Lynch
Zimsculpt —the exhibition and sale of Zimbabwean shona (stone) sculpture—is back at Vancouver’s VanDusen Botanical Garden .
Though it was a huge hit in 2009 and 2010, this is the last year to catch Zimsculpt at VanDusen; it won’t be back in 2012. So if you haven’t yet seen this art exhibit, which poetically situates the powerful Zimbabwean sculptures throughout VanDusen’s gorgeous gardens and pathways, don’t miss this final opportunity!
McCloud Chiwawa's "Romance", in opal stone. Photo: Dana Lynch
There is much to love about the pairing of Zimsculpt and VanDusen. The combination of art and the garden enhances the experience of both. The larger Zimbabwean sculptures seem ideally suited to outdoor display: they are perfectly at home rising from a bed of perennials or standing tall beside Cypress Pond, and they act as dramatic accents to the Garden’s picturesque landscapes.
My favourites are the figures, particularly the female figures. There’s something exquisitely touching about them, especially when the sunlight bathes their faces.
Brian Watyoka's "Waiting a New Arrival", in springstone.
All of the sculptures on display throughout the Garden and at the sale tent (which houses the smaller pieces) are for sale, with a portion of the proceeds going to support VanDusen. For 2011, Zimsculpt curator Vivienne Croissette has brought more than 150 pieces; she’s also brought back Zimsculpt artists Passmore Mupindiko and Patrick Sephani, who will be on site to answer your questions. (You can see Mupindiko and Sephani at work, too.)
Catch Zimsculpt at VanDusen Botanical Garden from August 12 – September 25, 2011.
Have you seen Zimsculpt at VanDusen Botanical Garden? I’d love to hear from you in the comments!
