Latwell Nyangu
ZIMBABWE-BORN artist, Tanatsei Gambura, in partnership with Historic Environment Scotland (HES), has created a new sound installation which explores colonialism’s impact on the environment.
It is being exhibited in Edinburgh.
Dubbed Nzira Yeparuware, it opened on Saturday at Edinburgh Castle and will run until November 30, which will take visitors on a sound walk through the historic site to map Scotland’s involvement in the creation of Zimbabwe’s streetscapes.
Tanatsei said:
“Working on this project with such committed collaborators has been great artistic fuel.
“I am thrilled to be exploring a history that is both personal and collective whilst using the tangible material of Scotland’s vast geography and heritage.
“I hope people will take up this opportunity to listen and discover how our landscapes are speaking back to us, and what they are saying.”
She added:
“The project was developed from field recordings taken at a selection of sites in Harare in Zimbabwe which were named after streets in Scottish places including Aberdeen, Angus, Edinburgh, Fife, Jedburgh, Lanark, Midlothian, Orkney, Perth and more.
“At each location, visitors will hear a different soundscape which explores the lasting impact and complexities of Scottish colonialism, the connection of the Zimbabwean capital to Scotland through street names, and the parallels and contrasts between Edinburgh and Harare’s historical timelines.”
Alison Turnbull, director of External Relations and Partnerships at HES, said:
“Nzira Yeparuware offers visitors an immersive sound experience by international artist Tanatsei Gambura, which combines field recordings with improvised musical compositions to explore colonialism’s link with the environment, including Scotland’s influence on street names in Harare.
“It is important that we highlight these less-well known aspects of Scotland’s past and present, and we’re pleased to be able to host this important work within Edinburgh Castle, providing a very personal, immersive opportunity to explore the links and complexities of colonialism.”
Dr Kirsten Carter McKee, Managing Imperial Legacies Research Manager at the University of Edinburgh, said:
“Nzira Yeparuware beautifully intertwines creative expression with geographical histories, sparking engaging conversations that shed light on Scotland’s history from a colonial perspective.
“Working alongside Tanatsei has been incredibly inspiring for the Managing Imperial Legacies Network, as her artistic vision strongly resonates with the Network’s aim to ensure that anti-racist conversations are included as a part of Scotland’s historic narratives.
“As a testament to the enduring creativity of this installation, the University of Edinburgh is also delighted to be purchasing this work as a permanent part of the university art collections, for future generations of creatives and researchers to experience beyond its tenure at Edinburgh castle.”
This installation is part of Managing Imperial Legacies, which is a collaborative network partnership involving the University of Edinburgh, HES, and the Coalition for Racial Equality and Rights (CRER).