Inside world of visual artist Ryan Ross Gondo

IN the world we live in, people are born endowed with various gifts which we tend to overlook, yet these same gifts often offer the most in our daily survival. Today, we look into the works of Ryan Ross Gondo, a 21-year-old visual artist from Bulawayo.

Ryan’s journey started when he was still young and was encouraged by his teacher after she saw his work.

“I began in primary school, doing basic art at the back of my school books as an escape from boring classes. In Grade 2, my teacher Mrs Dube commented that I was really good at art. This alone encouraged me to continue doing more art.

“My work was initially inspired by my love for cars, hence my automotive art. It has recently shifted to a more philosophical type of art revolving around existentialism. I recently exhibited for the first time at the Gallery with the other resident artists. The theme was ‘AI exploring the new reality.’ Shockingly, my art piece (the one with the robot and traditional man) was made the centrepiece. It was a good conversation starter,” he said.

The artist has collaborated with other artists such as mural artist Sphinx.

“This year, I was at the ZITF. I was at the EU stand collaborating with Sphinx and Skhanyiso from Swaziland, doing interactive art with the crowd for the first time. They are both vibrant people and reputable visual artists.

“I recently collaborated with a vibrant young man, Israel Tafara, at the youthful SKAP event hosted at Alliance Française. Israel is an upcoming artist on the local hip-hop scene. I was there with Hajj, who is also a resident artist at the gallery, and we were doing interactive art with the crowd, given how much I enjoyed it at ZITF.

“Other collaborations I have had, not to say they are less important than the ‘event’ collaborations, are personal relationships with other artists in the start community. All the artists in residence – Bhekisipho, Marlon, Sipho, Mr. Ndlovu, Talent, Shamiso, Divine, Piyali, Mr Chenjerai, Mr Allington, Mr Owen Maseko, and many others,” he stated.

He went on to highlight that, just like every artist, he has faced challenges in his journey.

“One challenge I’ve faced is knowing who I am, understanding what is going on in this spinning ball we call home, and interconnecting that with my art. However, for me, art is about expressing myself and giving a voice to the voiceless.

“Besides challenges, art is in my heart. I live and dream art. It has also given me the freedom to express my views to the world,” he said.

Ryan is presently operating from Studio 8 as a resident artist at the National Art Gallery since March this year.