While researching material for a CD-ROM publication on Zululand self-confessed exhibitionist (aka artist and photographer) Peter Engblom came across a religious sect ensconced in the Ngoye mountain area who follow the teachings of missionary Mpunzi Shezi. Shezi was the first Zulu Zen master whose mission was, it is said, to “take uBuntu to the Buddhists and bring Zen to the Zulus”.
The subsequent discovery of documents and paperwork bear testimony to one man’s journey from Africa to Japan and back, the remnants of which have been transformed into a tribute exhibition dubbed ZuluSushi.
Promising Eastern and African culture combining in a mix of art, fashion and lifestyle, the show has a short run at the new Millennium II gallery in Rosebank, Johannesburg, between August 25 and September 1. For those feeling flush (that’s flush, not flushed, dear), you can experience a gala preview of the event on August 24 at 8pm, complete with a ZuluSushi inspired dinner, noh theatre, live music, a tantric tea ceremony and exotic girls.
The gala will benefit pilot Aids programme, the Topsy Foundation, which provides shelter and care to children affected by HIV/ AIDS.
Tickets are R200 if booked through Ira Halpern (Topsy) on Tel: 083 226 8221 or Su Glanville (Millennium II) on Tel: 083 379 8584; or R220 through Computicket. E-mail the gallery on [email protected] or visit the Topsy Foundation online at www.topsy.org.za