Artist: Gideon Nyanhongo in his own words

Voice: Gedeon Nyanhongo, Chapungu Artist


I am Gedeon Nyanhongo. I come from a family of well-known
Zimbabwean sculptors, including my sister Agnes and my
father Claude. When I first started sculpting, I went with one of
Zimbabwe's most critically acclaimed artists, Joseph Ndandarika,
for three years. His guidance and influence gave me the confidence
to follow my own path as an artist. In 1994, I was chosen to
participate in the Chapungu artist resident program for
a year. My work portrays the ever changing aspects of my culture.
My work must mark the stages of my life. It also records the
important stages of life around me.

I use the hardest, most durable stones so that people will be
able to understand these things in the years to come. My art is
inspired by human relationships, especially those among families.
My subjects are full of spirit. My sculptures speak tenderly of
parenthood, protection, innocence and human love. They also
represent traditional Shona themes of spiritual guidance and
direction, as in -Chapungu Protecting Family.-