The National Gallery of Zimbabwe is excited to present “I Did Not Leave a Sign?”, an intriguing exhibition that explores the magic and strange beauty found in the unexpected and uncanny. This exhibit showcases a captivating collection of artworks that challenge perceptions and invite viewers to embrace the unknown, highlighting the mysterious and surreal aspects of artistic expression. Visitors will be drawn into the unique interplay of reality and imagination, discovering new meanings within the unconventional and enigmatic pieces on display.
Embracing the Uncanny and Unconventional, “I Did Not Leave a Sign?” delves into the strange beauty of the unexpected, exploring legacies haunted by a past we cannot shake, a present we cannot bear, and a future we can no longer confidently envision. The exhibition argues for the importance of enlivening stories of resistance and survival, focusing on how we can center ourselves amid chaos.
A Map of Transition and Healing is another key theme, as the exhibition creates paths of transition that embrace chaos, exploring our capacity to navigate discontinuity while carrying the stories of our recent past and present. The artworks aim to heal multi-generational traumas related to land, place, bodies, and culture, unraveling the impacts of these traumas and fostering meaningful connections. The guiding question, “How do we want to be remembered?” drives the narrative, encouraging future generations to find our legacy worthy of emulation.
Stewardship of Human and Ecological Relationships is central to this exhibition, mapping out how we can nurture not only our connection with nature but also the intricate relationship between humanity and the planet. The exhibit emphasizes the importance of engaging in reciprocal relationships throughout the entire supply chain, highlighting that the survival of future generations hangs in the balance.
Reflecting on Personal Choices and Collective Narratives, the exhibition examines our growing awareness of the consequences of our actions. It encourages harnessing personal choices, activities, and desires to create legacies that will endure beyond our lives. By promoting the practice of ubuntu/unhu, it invites visitors to find deeper meaning through intentional choices and shared narratives.
At the heart of “I Did Not Leave a Sign?” is the ambition to Revolutionize Human Experience Amid Global Loss. This exhibition confronts themes of mourning and melancholia related to death and loss, navigating the shifting ethical and moral landscapes of restitution and remembrance. It evaluates how we can become good ancestors, embodying what we used to be, what we want to become, and what we hope to achieve.
The National Gallery of Zimbabwe invites you to experience “I Did Not Leave a Sign?”, a profound exploration of the uncanny and unconventional, offering a thought-provoking perspective on our past, present, and future. This exhibition promises to challenge your perceptions and inspire a deeper connection to the art and stories that shape our world.
