An Njuzu, a winged merman, alternatively an Egyptian god figure, our fondly named “Blue Man”, created by master Found Objects and wire artist Johnson Zuze, holds a a key role in Kelli Barker’s artfilm for the Burnt Offerings; Re-Invention; Taking Flight exhibition ongoing at Pikicha Gallery, Emagumeni, in Helensvale, Harare.

In the background are prints/stills from the artfilm, featuring Julie Kennedy, talented dancer-(with amazing wings created by Ivhu Tribe-and more collaboration with Jasper is due in 2024), Farai Chigudu and Carmen Ribeiro.

I have long been a fascinated scholar and reader of myths and legends worldwide- the stories that link peoples of diverse natures and nationalities in their common beliefs, hopes and fears- such as the universally recurring mermaid/merman legend. And my dear friend Johnson is a learned mythologist and reader himself- a match made in heaven for our collaborative art exhibition ! I collect SNARE WIRE in the wilderness areas of Senuko Ranch, Save Valley Conservancy (south East lowveld of Zimbabwe) and Johnson reinvents it into ART…

The Njuzu holds a real and revered role in the oral, musical and written traditions of Southern African peoples… interpreted in so many ways in various writings and images-

and here Johnson’s winged Blue Man/njuzu captured our imaginations from the beginning – his looped snare wire wings enclosing a torso of embryonic plastic bottles gleaned by Johnson as waste from a factory.
Here in my garden are composer/mbira musician Hope Masike, cinematographer Sebastien Lallemand and make up/ body artist Kelli Barker taking inspiration for their art film ….

Photographer FazPixels was a co-creator on the artfilm- his stunning images will be available as high quality photographic prints …watch this space

Blue Man, merman myth or god reality- in our home area of the South Eastern lowveld of Zimbabwe the stories remain powerful and forceful …

And so, I am intrigued by friend Danayi Madondo’s showroom- Haus of Stone -and her personal brand of storytelling – especially the enigmatic Njuzu – can’t wait to see how she encompasses the myth and the reality in her superlative art/fashion creations !!!

Here I am wearing the meshed Njuzu top that I have happily acquired from Danayi- seen here with Kelli, myself , Danayi, her dear Mum and Hope Masike

Danayi collaborated with Kelli and Obscura Films in a previous film/photoshoot at the powerful heritage site of Domboshava- and I can’t wait for further art collaborations- we are stronger together in the spirit of Art: Ubuntu, Unhu, Umami!!!!