U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission to Open “Portrait of Zimbabwe” Exhibition at National Gallery

By Regina Pasipanodya

The U.S. Embassy in Zimbabwe has announced that Deputy Chief of Mission Elaine French will officially open the Portrait of Zimbabwe/Mifananidzo yeZimbabwe exhibition by U.S. National Gallery of Zimbabwe at Harare on Saturday.

The exhibition will be unveiled on May 29, 2025 as the curator Dr. Jennifer Kyker, the U.S. Fulbright Scholar has managed to source the works of this extensive collection of photographs, most of which are by the famous Zimbabwean photojournalist Chicago Dzviti. 

This exhibition will remain open for public viewing through August 10, 2025, and it is a chance for artists to not only look at but also reflect on the 60 photographic prints capturing significant cultural and historical moments.

The photographs of Dzviti reflect the normal routine of Zimbabwean towns, the continuation of traditional ceremonies, and the profiles of local heroes. 

The occasion is a clear manifestation of the sustained support of the U.S. Embassy for cultural diplomacy as a vehicle for strengthening the relationship between Zimbabwe and the United States.

The embassy reiterated through a statement that its dedication is unwavering to programs that enhance cultural exchange and to the creative economy, which is at the heart of prosperity for both nations. 

According to the officials, the opening ceremony will show how cultural exhibitions act as a conduit for international cooperation and mutual understanding.

A key element in French’s speech will be the utilization of artistic discourse to create new narratives and preserve heritage, all of this she will talk about at the event. 

Dr. Kyker, the exhibition’s curator, has been for a long time now, focusing on the documentation and promotion of Zimbabwe through artistic scholarship.

With the help of the Fulbright Program, she has linked U.S. academics with Zimbabwean artists, promoting cultural exchange. 

The Fulbright Program is one of the most significant U.S. academic diplomacy projects, as it has facilitated student and artist mobility across cultures for a long time.

The idea is to create connections among institutions, individuals, and communities through academic and artistic activities. 

The project is soon going to have an audience of different people such as artists, historians, and diplomats, although they share similar goals of reaching people and making an influence on a global scale for cultural and political reasons.