The Desired Effect: Spotlight on Zanzibar's Hurumzi Henna Art Gallery

The women of Hurumzi Henna Art Gallery transform traditional henna body arts into paintings and prints. Using a centuries old tradition of adorning women's hands and feet for celebrations such as weddings and festivals, the artists translate the patterns of the body art onto canvas creating a new and soon to be iconic art style through their elaborate paintings.

A group of Zanzibari women, masters of Swahili body painting learned to transfer their traditional designs to paint on canvas and paper.  The work combines the flowing floral patterning, typically in dark executed in brown or black dye, with vibrant colors and sometimes collage or contemporary imagery. It gives the women new forms of expression and, equally important, the opportunity to earn income within the context of family life.

One of the goals of the project is to help build a brand identity for the henna artwork that is recognized in Zanzibar, Tanzania and throughout the world.  By creating sustainability for the gallery, the artists will be able to buy materials and continue their art and their livelihoods.  A two-year grant from Alice Spencer, with assistance from the Tanzania Gatsby Trust, will fund the renovations as well as advertising, a web presence, and training for the artists in sales and marketing. The studio/gallery is located on Hurumzi Street in historic Stone Town, among a maze of galleries, hotels and shops. To read more, click here:.