Zenda stimulates rural development through paint art
HAMBURG-BASED prolific visual artist and cultural facilitator Flatter Zenda has stimulated rural development through art paintings like Children at Play (textured oil on canvas), Let Hope Lead (community art project, Hamburg), Echoes of Heritage (mixed media Hamburg, 2025), The ties that bind us (mixed media) 2025 and Celebration Live Painting (KVHS Amerland).
Each and every one of his works either on oil painting, mixed media, community projects, fashion design and media production do not only reflect his rural background, it also reproduces his desire for an shared future through developing rural areas.
With a rich portfolio and brand which is consists of FZenart (painting), Culture OG (Culture Original) (fashion), and VaZen Media (film and creative production), each has its own identity, but remains rooted in his artistic vision.
To begin with, Zenda’s Children at Play (textured oil on canvas) was inspired by his childhood in rural Zimbabwe.
This piece depicts boys rolling tires with joy and energy.
It is a nostalgic tribute to freedom, community and the creativity of play that reminds us that happiness often comes from the simplest things.
Let Hope Lead (community art project, Hamburg) was his collaboration with children living in a refugee camp in Hamburg done with the aim to restore once bullied esteem.
Zenda, who is also ambassador for Swiss-Zim Heritage, has one of his best-selling paintings, the Echoes of Heritage (mixed media Hamburg, 2025) in which he recalls a hard fought journey to be where he is today. Just to mention a few.
Born and raised in Chirumhanzu and spending time in Somabula, surrounded by farmland, rural life and wildlife were and still are highly inspirational to Zenda’s works of imagination.
“My upbringing gave me pride in my culture and a deep faith in God’s leading. It taught me to see no boundaries, to work hard and to honour the perfection of creation through art,” he said.
“God was my first teacher in courage. He taught me to take bold steps and make decisions without fear. My journey began with wildlife realism, inspired by nature and I had my early sales at Antelope Park in Gweru.
“Over time, I evolved into figurative and abstract symbolic storytelling, weaving together movement, spirituality and cultural memory. This boldness in art also influenced me to embrace entrepreneurship.”
He added: “After learning the German language, I had the opportunity to take orientation courses in European Art History and Filmmaking at HFBK, the University of Fine Arts Hamburg.
“These experiences broadened my perspective and laid the foundation for establishing new ventures, namely VaZen Media and Culture OG, which align with my broader creative vision under FZenart.”
ND: How do you think Zimbabwean art is perceived and appreciated in the international art world?
FZ: Zimbabwean art is respected globally for its storytelling, symbolism and mastery of materials.
From stone sculpture to painting, our artists are admired for their depth and authenticity. The challenge is not appreciation, but visibility.
With more support and consistent platforms, Zimbabwean art will continue to thrive internationally.
ND: What role do you believe Zimbabwean artists play in promoting cultural heritage globally?
FZ: As Zimbabwean artists, we are both guardians and innovators.
Our work carries proverbs, idioms and rhythms that keep heritage alive while connecting it to global audiences.
Through painting, fashion, media and community projects, we show that tradition is a living, evolving strength and most of all that fearlessness is essential in preserving and sharing it.
ND: How do you see Zimbabwean art evolving on the global art scene?
FZ: Zimbabwean art is embracing hybrid and collaborative practices.
Artists are merging tradition with digital tools, film, music and fashion.
Eco-conscious approaches are also growing, reflecting respect for land and sustainability.
The future is globally fluent yet deeply rooted in our cultural heritage. I am happy to realise that our local audiences are supporting art from within and abroad.
