A upcoming exhibition at Oxford University in Britain will feature stone sculptures from Zimbabwe that aim to highlight the dark legacy of British imperialist Cecil John Rhodes. The sculptures depict themes of religious deception, forced labor, and sexual abuse, all related to Rhodes’ conquest of southern Africa in the 19th century. The exhibition at Oriel College, where a controversial statue of Rhodes stands, represents an opportunity for Zimbabwean stone carvers to revive their struggling art form and showcase their work to Western audiences.
Zimbabwe’s stone sculpture industry has a long history of storytelling and has faced challenges due to economic difficulties and declining tourism. The industry thrived internationally after Zimbabwe gained independence, with white farmers purchasing pieces and facilitating international sales. However, the industry has struggled in recent years, due in part to controversial land reforms that displaced white farmers.
The Oxford exhibition is seen as an opportunity for exposure and a chance for the artists to share their work with a global audience. The exhibition is part of the Oxford Zimbabwe Arts Partnership, formed in response to the “Rhodes Must Fall” campaign during Black Lives Matter protests. While the original project was scaled down due to funding constraints, the exhibition represents a start in highlighting the complex history of British colonialism in Africa.
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