From the Domboshava rock paintings of 6,000 years ago, to the 15th century stone sculptures of the Great Zimbabwe kingdom, to the politically charged artworks of post independence by names like Luis Meque, to the modern day repurposing of pollutants by Moffat Takadiwa and fine artworks by names like Natasha Kudita, art has long been an integral part of Zimbabwe's heritage.
As the 21st century has seen a mushrooming of interest in Zimbabwean artworks, they are very few names that have had the impact (both local and global) on the Zimbabwean art space as Prudence Chimutuwah.
A visual artist influenced by contemporary African fashion, text, and symbols, with work that fuses text from novels, magazines, and newspapers, with banknotes, painting, and print-making. On vibrant palettes, that have graced galleries on multiple continents, the artist has had a decade of proudly telling the stories of women.
This past Sunday, at the British Council offices in Harare, a crowd of 90 guests gathered in her honour. There was the exclusive screening of a compelling documentary profiling celebrated Zimbabwean fine artist.
The event, brought to life by a partnership between the British Council Zimbabwe, Samora Central, and The Authors, drew attendees from the diplomatic corps, creative industries, and business sectors, creating a powerful moment of unity across Zimbabwe’s cultural landscape.
Directed by Mordecai Musonza and produced by Usher Takudzwa Nyambi, Prudence offers an intimate look at Chimutuwah’s journey, highlighting her artistic triumphs, the obstacles she’s faced, and her bold hopes for the future of art in Zimbabwe.
There were remarks commending the initiative from British Council Zimbabwe, National Arts Council, at the centre of which was platforming Zimbabwean creatives and Zimbabwean narratives. A much needed effort, for a country that has had it's story misconstrued by many on the global stage.
The screening also brought together art forms, with a performance by musician and spoken word artist Bhanshee, and an energizing DJ set by rising talent DJ Dee Baretoe, as guests indulged in a culinary spread catered by Chez Zandi.
A rich panel discussion artistic resilience, gender, followed the screening, featuring leading voices in the arts:
Fadzai Muchemwa, writer, curator, and researcher at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe
Calvin Chimutuwah, acclaimed fine artist and husband to Prudence
Usher Takudzwa Nyambi, cultural consultant and contributing editor at Rolling Stone Africa
Chipo Kanyumbu, Head of Arts at British Council Zimbabwe
We caught up with the producer of the documentary, Usher Nyambi, for a brief conversation on what inspired it, the process of bringing it to life and the impact The Authors as a collective hope to bring to the art space.
What made you want to tell the story of Prudence in particular?
Usher: I’ve been deeply inspired by Prudence’s work since I first encountered it at Artillery Gallery. Her art draws you in, leading you on a journey through intricate detail and layered meaning. What compelled me to tell her story through a documentary was her commitment to women’s issues, woven into every brushstroke.
In many of her pieces, women are portrayed with immense dignity, often larger-than-life, almost mythical. Her use of color feels healing, almost meditative. With this project, I wanted to go beyond the canvas and offer a front-row seat into the life, mind, and vision of one of Zimbabwe’s most prominent artists today.
How was it working with Blu Mordecai?
Usher: Working with Mordecai was an absolute joy. He’s a creative powerhouse, driven, sharp, and effortlessly collaborative. He has this rare ability to take a brief and turn it into something far beyond what you imagined.
On set, he kept the energy high and the laughs constant, my ribs were sore from laughing by the end of it! He’s a one-man production team and a clear reminder of the incredible creative talent we have in Zimbabwe. I’d work with him again if the opportunity arises.
As a collective, what drives the stories The Authors want to tell?
Usher: As The Authors, we’re driven by expression, authenticity, and the power of collaboration. Whether through music, film, visual art, or live experiences, we aim to tell stories that resonate deeply and reflect the world around us. We’re passionate about amplifying bold voices and creating spaces where creativity leads the conversation. And this is just the beginning, there’s so much more to come
In honouring one of the country’s most inspiring visual storytellers, The Authors, and the organisations they collaborated with, showcase the importance of representation, and cultural storytelling. Without these, we won't shape the narrative in a shifting Zimbabwean context.
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