Futuristic Pagan

Futuristic Pagan is a virtual reality experience connecting fashion, nature and spirituality, in a Zezuru traditional dreamscape. It presents the fashion collection, designed using 3D modelling techniques by Sabina Mutsvati, to elevate the traditional Hanga and Retso fabrics. 

The virtual reality experience, designed and built by Chipo Mapondera, explores our connection to the ancestral realm through nature. The hut, Imba yaAmai becomes the fashion showroom and site of matriarchal hierarchy and metaphysical meaning.

The project seeks to explore Zezuru spiritual practices and traditions using virtual reality to allow audiences to access, and engage with, these physical and metaphysical realms. It is also an opportunity to produce more visual perspectives of Zimbabwean culture, including traditional and natural environments.

This project was developed as part the Design Futures Lab 2023, with the support of British Council, Electric South, twyg, Crossover Labs, Korokoza and Matamba Film Labs. 

With special thanks to Eugene Mapondera, Joel Chandauka, Nqo Mlilo, Jason Stapleton, Jonathan “Samaita” Dube, Shumba Maasai, Rutendo Denise Mutsamwira, Sekuru Makamanzi, PK Karumazondo, Dzimbanhete Arts & Culture Interactions, and our ancestors and spirit guides.

Video composition: Joel Chandauka

Sound design: Shumba Maasai

Music: Muroro Unplugged, Sekuru Makamanzi, Sekuru EP

Futuristic Pagan was nominated for the Ars Electronica STARTS Africa Award 2024. With thanks to Neri Torcello, Founder of the African Art in Venice Forum.

We have also been selected as an Award Finalist at the Innovate UK Awards 2024. The project will be showcased at the awards in May 2024

The project has been showcased at:

  • British Council/ Korokoza Creative Economy Week 2024 showcase and panel discussion, Harare

  • Fak’ugesi 2023, Johannesburg

  • twyg Sustainable Fashion Awards 2023. Cape Town

  • Matamba Immersiv Fair 2023, Harare

Create an account and access Futuristic Pagan Exhibition on Spatial: http://tinyurl.com/5n6tnjbw

Voiceover translations: https://bit.ly/fp-voiceover-translation 

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Futuristic Pagan at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe

Only What Is Revealed Can Be Known

08 March - 31 May 2024

Curated by Fadzai Muchemwa

  • "I journeyed into a dream where I met my grandmother and she reminded me of myself. Thank you."

    Darryl Dzapasi, 32, Zimbabwe

  • "Nice experience, amazing in fact. It was so cool. I thought it was so realistic and amazing. I learnt so much. 5/5 stars."

    Tanaka Nyamuda, 12, Zimbabwe

  • "I am in awe of this experience. An important project connecting spirituality, cultural knowledge and high end technology. What an opportunity for discovering, exploring and listening into the deep cultural spaces of Zimbabwe."

    Martina Gruber, 56, Austria/ Zimbabwe

  • "Very nice experience! First time trying VR and didn’t really expect it to be in a museum, but a really nice addition."

    Julia Kimmel, 23, Germany

  • "The piece brought a whole new experience to the National Gallery. It brought a multi-layered content on indigenous culture, supported by well articulated fashion design."

    Chiko Chazunguza, 50+, Zimbabwe

  • "This was such a great and educational experience as one is taught more about our culture. It brings out ancient cultures in a futuristic and modern design."

    Anotida Duve, 16, Zimbabwe

  • "The virtual reality was unlike anything I have experienced before. It felt completely immersive and vivid. I felt like I was there. Very innovative!"

    Peggy Mapondera, 35, Zimbabwe

  • "I saw clay pots, hens and a snake. It was fun. I want to come again."

    Chloe Ziyambe, 8, Zimbabwe

  • "It was really nice, unexpected, and also perfect for kids."

    Giulia Delononz, 43, Italy

  • "It is a very innovative way to learn about the culture and history of Zimbabwe."

    Nadeska Cuthbert, 38, Nicargua

  • "The hut took me back to the village in my grandma's kitchen, with a modern twist. The fashion and jewellery were stunning."

    Mary Hatendi, 67, Zimbabwe

  • "The exhibition was good. It had a lot about my roots. I felt connected actually."

    Portia Nhumba, 28, Zimbabwe