by Hope Phiri
Nkwashi is like a story,a literary work of art with each chapter written by different artists whose creations line its streets. Sculptures, intertwined metal and iron harboring history in every crevice, paintings with tales in each brush stroke.
And now imagine living in a city within a city, whose streets have stories, pieces of the artist’s culture, staring back at you. Canvases bursting with colors have been sewn into the fabric of Nkwashi, stone sculptures standing firm.
Art is a big part of the culture being created within the walls of Nkwashi, as it has a monumental impact on culture and society all around the world. Throughout human existence, art has been an imperative tool in recording history. In the past, mankind shared their lives and stories through art, leaving behind cultural artifacts and constructions still existing today — Stonehenge, the Greek Parthenon, Roman Colosseum, St. Peter’s Basilica and more. It is through a culture’s art that society gains a deeper insight into the history of said culture. And this is how the culture of Nkwashi will be passed down and remembered.
