An African Tale

Visit of Jason and Sue July 2024 to Zenda Art Centre

Reflecting the daily life and labor that shape our community and identity." 
 
This painting captures the essence of "Hupenyu neBasa," emphasizing the vital connection between daily life and work. The face, constructed from mechanical objects and market scenes, symbolizes how our perceptions and identities are influenced by communal efforts and economic realities. Through this artwork, Zenda highlights the resilience and strength found in the everyday activities that bind a community together. 
 
Part of Mushamukadzi series! "Mushamukadzi" is a Shona word that translates to "wife of the home" or "the lady of the house" in English. In Shona culture, this term often denotes the woman who plays a central role in managing and nurturing the household. It carries connotations of respect, responsibility, and centrality within the family structure.

Hupenyu neBasa

This painting, "Mudzimai weMusha," symbolizes the pivotal role of a woman in the home. Constructed from everyday objects, the face tells a story of identity shaped by personal and communal experiences. The eyes, formed from images of people, and the mouth, depicting labor, highlight the intertwined struggles and strengths that define her place in the community. 
 
Embedded within this artwork is the essence of the African gendered philosophy, musha mukadzi (Shona) or umuzi ngumama (Ndebele), which signifies that women are the cornerstone of the home. 
 
Part of Mushamukadzi series!

Mudzimai weMusha (Mushamukudzi)

Reflecting the daily life and labor that shape our community and identity." 
 
This painting captures the essence of "Hupenyu neBasa," emphasizing the vital connection between daily life and work. The face, constructed from mechanical objects and market scenes, symbolizes how our perceptions and identities are influenced by communal efforts and economic realities. Through this artwork, Zenda highlights the resilience and strength found in the everyday activities 
 
Part of Mushamukadzi series! "Mushamukadzi" is a Shona word that translates to "wife of the home" or "the lady of the house" in English. In Shona culture, this term often denotes the woman who plays a central role in managing and nurturing the household. It carries connotations of respect, responsibility, and centrality within the family structure.

Telling the African story in a unique way. Totems influence on people especially women it’s still a mystery.

Totems

An African lady stands tall, her silhouette etched against textured abstract background. She holds traditional weapons—with unwavering confidence,a fiery glow that mirrors her inner strength. The vibrant colors of her attire—reds, yellows, and greens—symbolize wealth, fertility, and growth within her community. This portrayal celebrates not only her heritage but also the resilience and valor of women. 🔥

The Warriors Grace

There is no fear in love 😍 
Love is blind! 
Love is beautiful!

Rudo - Love

Misodzi - Tears

Our roots determines our fruits 
🦶 footprints representing our African culture and the journey of life!

Kumbula ekhaya - Roots

Women are the epitome of wealth and power. Women play an important role in society and the whole family is dependent on women for its daily activities. They play the role of mother, wife, homemaker, cook, teacher, friend, Nurse all at the same time while catering to every body's needs.

Mudzimai Wanhasi

In 2013 a young upcoming artist Keith Zenda visited South Africa for the 10th Back Like Us ART EXHIBITION and his artwork won this Award certificate. 
 
ART FROM THE HEART 💜

Freedom

Viewing Room on Artsy

We go through pain and struggles,some turn to drug abuse as others go through depression. 
 
Only the brave can endure the pain and the struggles. Life is a process just like an artwork from sketching , painting and finishing. 
 
I will always appreciate my artists friends and family for inspiring and encouraging me and my art lovers for buying my art, supporting me through this art journey🙏 
 
I officially introduce to you! 
My style! 
My identity! 
My heart ! 
This is ZENDAISM ART ! 
 
ART FROM THE HEART 💜

Life is not easy!

Keith invests his hard-earned money from his artwork sales to drill an 80-meter borehole, providing fresh water to the community in Gweru, his hometown. He believes his artistic talent is a special gift, and coupled with his good fortune, he feels a deep obligation to give back as much as possible to his community.

That's why I did it!

Thats why I did it

Shattered Unity: The Flight from Tradition 
 
The broken pot is surrounded by people running in various directions, seemingly in a state of panic or disarray. The expressions and body language of the figures suggest fear, confusion, and desperation. This chaotic scene represents the fragmentation and disunity among African people. The broken pot signifies the breakdown of traditional values, social structures, and cultural identity, leaving the people scattered and directionless. - giveme a title for this paintings

The Broken African Pot

Tattered Flags: The Erosion of National Unity 
 
In this painting, the fleeing figures are draped in the colors of various African national flags, symbolizing division and disunity not just within communities, but between nations. The flags, usually symbols of pride and unity, appear tattered and worn, suggesting a loss of meaning and significance. This imagery underscores the message that national pride and unity are eroding, replaced by division and disillusionment.

The Broken Pot

Painting on display at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe In Bulawayo 
Bold and Beautiful Solo Exhibition by Keith Zenda 
 
The exhibition is running upto 30 September 2022

Hari yangu/ My Claypot

"Kaputsa Chirongo," a Shona phrase meaning "the pot is broken," is a powerful symbol in Keith Zenda's world of Zendaism. The painting reflects the resilience and resourcefulness of African women, embodying the spirit of survival even when life’s vessels—symbolized by the broken pot—crack under pressure. The central figure, a strong woman surrounded by the remnants of her broken pot, radiates a calm confidence, undeterred by the challenges before her. She represents the heartbeat of the community, where women often bear the weight of both creation and restoration. In the background, village life continues—people go about their tasks, unaware of the broken pot's deeper significance. In Zendaism, this image transcends its literal meaning, becoming a metaphor for the perseverance and renewal found in African life, where even when something precious breaks, it gives rise to new forms of strength and beauty. The painting, like the philosophy of Zendaism, celebrates the African spirit’s abili

Kaputsa Chirongo

Masibanda - The Lion Lady

Proud to have one of my favorite artworks on permanent collection at the National Gallery Of Zimbabwe in Bulawayo! 
 
This piece celebrates the beauty and simplicity of an African woman, symbolizing the connection between her and the Claypot, representing the traditional goddess of beauty. 
 
Honored to have my work showcased in such a prestigious institution, preserving the essence of our cultural heritage.

Hari yangu

Our culture, our history and our identity!

MaNdolovu - The Elephant Woman

Mancube - The Monkey Woman

Adorned with your own stripes, 
 
Iridescent and glittering creature, 
 
Whose skin is as soft as girls’ is; 
 
One on which the eye dwells all day, 
 
as on the solitary cow of a poor man; 
 
Creature that makes the forests beautiful, 
 
Weaver of lines 
 
Who wear your skin for display, 
 
Drawn with lines 
 
Even a lion is so attracted by your stripes that it's taken aback and forgets to chase after you!

MaDube - The Zebra Woman

The Elephant Woman exposed

The Gift of a Girl Child

An Interview with Keith

I am a self-taught, multiple award-winning artist from 
Chirumanzu rural village. I have been honing my craft since 
the age of ten. My art, deeply rooted in the Ubuntu spirit, 
captures the essence of African culture and showcases the 
richness of Zimbabwean heritage 
 
Passionate about giving back, I have established an Art Centre 
dedicated to nurturing aspiring artists from disadvantaged 
backgrounds. This center provides mentorship, training, and 
showcase opportunities, promoting artistic talent, unity, and 
social change. Through these efforts, I empower the youth to 
find hope, inspiration, and constructive expression through art. 
 
What sets me apart is not just my talent, but my ability 
to infuse my art with the spirit of the land. I draw 
inspiration from local culture, vegetation, and wildlife, 
making my canvases burst with colors and textures that 
reflect Zimbabwe's vibrancy. From bustling market 
scenes to serene landscapes bathed in the golden 
African sun, each painting tells a story

Artist Portfolio of Keith Zenda

Keith Zenda’s artworks are a profound example of contemporary art, addressing pressing social and cultural issues through a modern artistic style. Using symbolic and surrealistic imagery, Zenda conveys powerful messages about disunity, identity loss, and socio-political challenges in Africa. His paintings reflect the continent's current struggles and the urgent need for unity and restoration. Through his vivid use of color and striking compositions, Zenda's work remains highly relevant and thought-provoking in today's context.