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Pamberi Ne Zimbabwe

Poster
ca. 1980 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Robert Mugabe (b. 1924) first became active in the politics of his native Zimbabwe around 1960 in opposition to white Rhodesian rule. He was arrested by the authorities for his freedom fighting (from 1964-1974). When released from prison, he led the militant group ZANU (Zimbabwe African National Union) in a guerilla war for black independence. Zimbabwe won its independence in 1980 and Robert Mugabe was elected the nation's first prime minister.This poster celebrates that moment of Zimbabwean independence. It was made by the Brooklyn-based Madame Binh Graphics Collective, a group of politically minded activists who made propaganda in support of global struggles. They took their name from political figure Nguyen Thi Madame Binh, who headed the Paris peace talks for Southern Vietnam's provisional government following the Vietnam War.
This poster looks optimistically toward what was hoped to be the start of democratic rule and better living standards for black people in Southern Africa. The slogan Pamberi Ne Zimbabwe translates as "Forward with Zimbabwe."


Object details

Categories
Object type
TitlePamberi Ne Zimbabwe (assigned by artist)
Materials and techniques
colour screenprint
Brief description
"Pamberi Ne Zimbabwe" by the Madame Binh Graphics Collective. Colour screenprint. Map of Southern Africa, portrait of Robert Mugabe.
Physical description
Map of southern Africa rendered predominantly in red, yellow, green and black. Ex-Prime Minister Robert Mugabe is depicted over the territory of Zimbabwe, surrounded by children. Nearer the margins, armed freedom fighters play guitar and wave a flag in celebration.
Dimensions
  • Height: 80.4cm
  • Width: 57.9cm
Credit line
Gift of the American Friends of the V&A; Gift to the American Friends by Leslie, Judith and Gabri Schreyer and Alice Schreyer Batko
Historical context
This poster shows in the background the ruins of Great Zimbabwe, from which the indigenous black population derived their country's new name after securing independence from white Rhodesian rule. The ancient stone structures were long a source of contention: while a source of profound pride for the native people, racist white settlers claimed the ruins' provenance a mystery, believing that black Africans could not have produced the architectural feat.
Subjects depicted
Places depicted
Summary
Robert Mugabe (b. 1924) first became active in the politics of his native Zimbabwe around 1960 in opposition to white Rhodesian rule. He was arrested by the authorities for his freedom fighting (from 1964-1974). When released from prison, he led the militant group ZANU (Zimbabwe African National Union) in a guerilla war for black independence. Zimbabwe won its independence in 1980 and Robert Mugabe was elected the nation's first prime minister.This poster celebrates that moment of Zimbabwean independence. It was made by the Brooklyn-based Madame Binh Graphics Collective, a group of politically minded activists who made propaganda in support of global struggles. They took their name from political figure Nguyen Thi Madame Binh, who headed the Paris peace talks for Southern Vietnam's provisional government following the Vietnam War.
This poster looks optimistically toward what was hoped to be the start of democratic rule and better living standards for black people in Southern Africa. The slogan Pamberi Ne Zimbabwe translates as "Forward with Zimbabwe."
Other number
LS.2618 - Leslie Schreyer Loan Number
Collection
Accession number
E.1278-2004

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Record createdMay 10, 2005
Record URL
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