Twenty-first century Zimbabwe has become a melting pot of cultures from across the world, thanks to globalisation brought about by the internet age.
What used to be a patriarchal society ridden with misconceptions about the role of the woman in the socioeconomic reality has become a somewhat ‘free’ society, where women can essentially become whoever they want to be.
Perhaps the most lucid exemplification of this is the emergence of the female visual artist – using her God-given talents to tell stories of our people and define reality from her own perspective.
Fifty years ago, one couldn’t even imagine a woman leaving the cooking, cleaning and raising children to go and paint or sculpt. But that is now a distant memory, almost unimaginable that a woman can be relegated to just that.
Anne Zanele Mutema, Amanda Mushate, Tamary Kudita, Mavis Tauzeni, Helen Teede, Lillian Magodi, Roselyn Marikasi, Janet Silingwane, Shalom Kufa, Rutendo Kusano, Stacey Kufemba, Grace Nyahangare, Evelyn Gwasira, Stacey Feremba, Lydia Molai, and even 8 year old Shalom Masvisvi are some of the names that have risen as the immensely talented female artists of our time – making a living and making history from their talents.
It was only right that for Women’s month, Zimbabwe’s oldest private gallery, Nhaka Gallery (some might remember it as Delta Gallery), run an exhibition by one of Zimbabwe’s leading female visual artists – thirty-four year old Prudence Chimutuwah.
The exhibition, aptly titled ‘The Future is Her’, narrates, describes and informs the audience on the evolving world of 21st women in patriarchal societies.
The exhibition opened on Friday the 8th of March 2024, which coincided with this year’s International Women’s Day celebrations. The event was graced by connoisseurs of art, fellow creatives, media practitioners, gender advocacy champions and esteemed diplomats.
The exhibition was curated with support from the Women’s Gallery and Afrikera Arts Trust.
Prudence Chimutuwah’s work is inspired by the day to day life of women, as well as their economic aspirations and desire for spirituality. She specialises in mixed-media and utilises vibrant colours and bold silhouettes to capture the eye of the viewer.
‘The Future is Her’ calls for community engagement in showing how the 21st woman has essentially broken the chains that her predecessors (from the 19th and 20th century) had been bonded to. The exhibition aims to show the world about the emergence of the 21st century woman as she steps up to take charge in spaces seemingly dominated by males.
The exhibition takes viewers on an immersive journey in the rise of the 21st century woman, through the multi-media art of Prudence Chimutuwah; showing how women’s lives have evolved in the 21st century, how they have experienced power, broke the gender odds, and the challenges that they have faced in the process.
The purpose: to engage the public, challenge stereotypes, struggles and discriminations against women.
The exposition also engages the public, to challenge stereotypes of women’s life, rethink their needs and explore new ideas around women in power and leadership, especially considering the potential of accelerating in leadership positions.
Traditional gender roles historically presented household income from a perspective where women were expected to stay at home and look after the children. Whether by evolution or by design, this no longer applies to our reality, as a two-income household has become the norm, if not essential.
Indeed, women all over the world are earning more than ever before, and many of them are contributing a significant part of the household income; often assuming the role of the primary breadwinner.
They have gained the right to live free from violence and discrimination, to enjoy the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health, to be educated, to pursue their dreams.
The idea of the 21st century woman has evolved into a do-it-all heroine – running her home, rushing to work, handling her business, making investment decisions, and volunteering her time for charitable causes; while continuing to be the rock of her family.
This social phenomenon is bringing about profound changes and has financial, emotional and psychological implications for both men and women, particularly in a patriarchal society such as ours, with its traditional views of gender roles. Any role reversal is seen as an attempt at destabilising the status quo.
With ‘Future is Her’, Prudence Chimutuwah does an exceptional job at reflecting the reality of the 21st century woman. She captures the times we live in so perfectly, for the even-better future that we are all anticipating.
Her work justifies the importance of the black Zimbabwean woman being the one who defines herself and tells her own story. Doing this through art, Prudence Chimutuwah has immortalized herself as one of the heroines of our time.
To view ‘The Future is Her’, you can visit Nhaka Gallery at 110 Livingstone Avenue (right opposite David Livingstone Primary School).
You can also stay updated on future exhibitions and events at Nhaka Gallery via their Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram.
