Futuristic Pagan explores Shona spiritual practices and traditions through virtual reality. The space reflects a Shona dreamscape made up of traditional icons that represent the rituals and meanings related to communicating with the ancestors, and other guides and deities. The viewer is guided through a natural environment and learns about the plants and animals with significant ties to the spiritual realm. On return to the homestead, the viewer explores Imba Ya Mai, the Mother’s kitchen. This matriarchal setting is the space for the fashion showroom, presenting the first collection that Sabina Mutsvati has designed in a fully digital process.
by Chipo Mapondera and Sabina Mutsvati
Format: Virtual Reality
CREDITS
Creative Technologist | Chipo Mapondera
Fashion Designer | Sabina Mutsvati
Instructor VR Development (Unity) | Eugene Mapondera
Instructor 3D modeling (Blender) | Nqo Mlilo
Guide/ teacher on Shona tradition and spirituality | Jonathan “Samaita” Dube
Voiceover | Rutendo Denise Mutsamwira
Intro Music | Mudzimu Nditakure, Sekuru Makamanzi, Sekuru – EP
Homestead Music | Muroro Unplugged, Sekuru Makamanzi, Sekuru – EP
Inside Hut Music | Instrumental, Sekuru Makamanzi, Sekuru – EP
Sound Design | Shumba Maasai
The Design Futures Lab is a creative economy project, hosted by Electric South, Twyg, Korokoza and Crossover Labs and supported by the British Council #SouthernAfricaArts. The second edition of the Design Futures Lab was held in May 2023 and this is one of six prototypes completed in August 2023. The prototypes will be exhibited at the Fakugesi African Digital Innovation Festival from 26 September – 1 October 2023.
