Art Workshop held at lomagundi College with Keith Zenda
On Sunday, 15 June 2025, I had the opportunity to speak with Keith Zenda, co-founder of Swiss-Zim Heritage and one of Zimbabwe’s most influential contemporary painters, following a successful art workshop held the previous day at Lomagundi College in Chinhoyi. The workshop brought together senior art students from Lomagundi College, St George’s College, Dominican Convent, and Westridge College for an inspiring and practical session. During our call, Keith shared his reflections on the experience, the engagement of the students, and the importance of mentorship in nurturing the next generation of Zimbabwean artists.
Dennis Ruf (Artgal.Online): Keith, thank you for taking the time to speak with us. You recently held a workshop at Lomagundi College in Chinhoyi. Can you tell us more about how this opportunity came about?
Keith Zenda: Thank you—it was a real honour to be invited. The workshop was organized by Stanford Makondo the Art teacher and Rachel Tanyanyiwa (The Head of Culture at Lomagundi College. Stanford reached out asking if I would be willing to lead a session for senior students from Lomagundi College and a few other top schools—St George's College, Dominican Convent College and Westridge College. All invited at Lomagundi College, Chinhoyi.The focus was on helping students develop practical skills, explore techniques, and understand how to build their portfolios. I was immediately excited, because I’m passionate about teaching and sharing what I’ve learned.
Dennis Ruf: What did you do during the session with the students?
Keith Zenda: We had about 38 students in total, all from Forms 4 to 6. I started by demonstrating my painting process—how I approach a piece from the first idea to the final detail. I showed them how I work with different textures and explained how I let emotions and cultural storytelling guide my hand. Then, we moved into a more interactive part: each student used their phones or tablets to repaint one of my works digitally, using the techniques I had demonstrated. It wasn’t just copying—it was about interpreting, making it their own. They were incredibly focused and respectful. It was beautiful to see how deeply they engaged with the process.
Dennis Ruf: That sounds very powerful. Did you share any of your personal journey with them?
Keith Zenda: Yes, I brought along my book, which tells the story of my life in art—from my beginnings with charcoal sketches in rural Zimbabwe to showing work internationally. I wanted them to understand that the path to becoming an artist is not always straight or easy—but it’s possible. I shared the story behind the painting I did as a diplomatic gift for China, now hanging in the President’s office. I think for the students, hearing a personal journey helped make the dream more real.
Dennis Ruf: What stood out to you most during the workshop?
Keith Zenda: The enthusiasm. These students were genuinely hungry to learn. They didn’t hesitate to ask questions or try new things. I saw potential in many of them. More than that, I saw pride in their eyes as they worked—pride in their culture, their ideas, and their identity. It reminded me why we at Swiss-Zim Heritage do what we do—not just to exhibit art, but to build bridges and empower the next generation.
Dennis Ruf: Thank you, Keith. It’s inspiring to hear how much impact a single workshop can have. We’re proud to support your journey and the mission of Swiss-Zim Heritage.
Dennis Ruf (Artgal.Online): Keith, thank you for taking the time to speak with us. You recently held a workshop at Lomagundi College in Chinhoyi. Can you tell us more about how this opportunity came about?
Keith Zenda: Thank you—it was a real honour to be invited. The workshop was organized by Stanford Makondo the Art teacher and Rachel Tanyanyiwa (The Head of Culture at Lomagundi College. Stanford reached out asking if I would be willing to lead a session for senior students from Lomagundi College and a few other top schools—St George's College, Dominican Convent College and Westridge College. All invited at Lomagundi College, Chinhoyi.The focus was on helping students develop practical skills, explore techniques, and understand how to build their portfolios. I was immediately excited, because I’m passionate about teaching and sharing what I’ve learned.
Dennis Ruf: What did you do during the session with the students?
Keith Zenda: We had about 38 students in total, all from Forms 4 to 6. I started by demonstrating my painting process—how I approach a piece from the first idea to the final detail. I showed them how I work with different textures and explained how I let emotions and cultural storytelling guide my hand. Then, we moved into a more interactive part: each student used their phones or tablets to repaint one of my works digitally, using the techniques I had demonstrated. It wasn’t just copying—it was about interpreting, making it their own. They were incredibly focused and respectful. It was beautiful to see how deeply they engaged with the process.
Dennis Ruf: That sounds very powerful. Did you share any of your personal journey with them?
Keith Zenda: Yes, I brought along my book, which tells the story of my life in art—from my beginnings with charcoal sketches in rural Zimbabwe to showing work internationally. I wanted them to understand that the path to becoming an artist is not always straight or easy—but it’s possible. I shared the story behind the painting I did as a diplomatic gift for China, now hanging in the President’s office. I think for the students, hearing a personal journey helped make the dream more real.
Dennis Ruf: What stood out to you most during the workshop?
Keith Zenda: The enthusiasm. These students were genuinely hungry to learn. They didn’t hesitate to ask questions or try new things. I saw potential in many of them. More than that, I saw pride in their eyes as they worked—pride in their culture, their ideas, and their identity. It reminded me why we at Swiss-Zim Heritage do what we do—not just to exhibit art, but to build bridges and empower the next generation.
Dennis Ruf: Thank you, Keith. It’s inspiring to hear how much impact a single workshop can have. We’re proud to support your journey and the mission of Swiss-Zim Heritage.