In 1989 Arnott migrated to Zimbabwe; a fledgling African democracy. Her themes focus on the struggle of African women and the development of a post-colonial identity in the the light of attendant issues such as African traditional belief systems, black majority government, gender, sexuality, AIDS and the power of the African church (symbolised by the white uniform in this drawing).
The Njuzu picture celebrates the importance of traditional beliefs as she represents the mythical mermaid /healer who can take people under the water to the other side; only for them to return as healers if they have the second sight. Symbolically the Njuzu was not only an important for the War of Liberation struggle for Independence from White rule, but also during the ongoing struggle under the Robert Mugabe regime. Zimbabwe is still rupturing from conflict and war.
Image: Prodigal Son, Mixed media collaged drawing on board 88 x122 cms -selected for the Newtown Gallery exhibition in Johannesburg, South Africa; to celebrate the release of Nelson Mandela from prison. Mandela later became President of South Africa.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © LAURYN ARNOTT
