I’ve seen the previous two ZimSculpt exhibitions and, judging by the preview photographs, this year’s collection has a much more modernistic cast, somewhat whimsical in several of its pieces. Earlier exhibitions were “heavier,” always a problem with stone; several of this year’s major pieces are very graceful, more stylistic, and probably more attractive to a Western audience.
For centuries, botanical gardens around the world have featured sculpture throughout their grounds… Now, the (Naples Botanical) Garden is capitalizing on its “Gardens of Latitude” tagline to present more than 200 stone sculptures from Zimbabwe, which rests in the same 26 degrees north and 26 degrees south band around the equator that is the Garden’s focus.
Brian Holley, Executive Director at the Garden, says “I think just providing the opportunity for people to see the quality of sculpture that is being produced in Zimbabwe will be a surprise to most people,” he says. “But even more important will be the way that the sculptures enhance the experience of visiting the garden.”