Online Reporter
Tafadzwa Zimoyo
Zimpapers Entertainment Editor
A BOLD artistic vision by renowned Zimbabwean sculptor Euwitt Nyanhongo is poised to transform Nyanga into a new powerhouse of the country’s sculpting industry.
He is establishing the Nyanga Art Studio project in the scenic Eastern Highlands.
The initiative, which is nearing completion, seeks to create a vibrant hub for stone sculpture, artistic training and cultural exchange, positioning Nyanga as an emerging destination for both local and international artists.
Through the studio, Nyanhongo hopes to nurture young sculptors, provide creative resources and showcase Zimbabwe’s globally respected stone sculpting tradition.
“My dream is to see Nyanga become one of the centres of sculpture in Zimbabwe,” said Nyanhongo.
“This project is about empowering local artists and creating opportunities for them to grow while also inviting the world to experience our culture.”
The celebrated artist believes the project will play a significant role in reshaping the artistic landscape of the region by providing a platform for artists who often struggle to access resources and exposure.
“We want to create a space where creativity thrives,” he said.
“The studio will host workshops, training programmes and artist residencies where both local and international sculptors can collaborate.”
Beyond nurturing talent, the Nyanga Art Studio also aims to create economic opportunities for the surrounding community by promoting art tourism and cultural events.
“This is not only about art,” Nyanhongo said. “It’s about community development. When artists grow, the community around them also benefits.”
The project reflects Nyanhongo’s broader mission to ensure Zimbabwe continues to lead the global stone sculpture movement.
Through decades of exhibitions and collaborations abroad, he has consistently promoted Zimbabwean art to international audiences.
“Every sculpture I create carries a piece of Zimbabwe with it,” he said.
“When people see my work overseas, they also discover the beauty of our culture and traditions.”
His sculptures are widely admired for their intricate craftsmanship and storytelling.
Drawing inspiration from Zimbabwean heritage, nature and everyday life, Nyanhongo uses stone to capture emotional and cultural narratives.
“My inspiration comes from our culture and the experiences that shape us as people,” he said.
“Stone is a powerful medium because it allows those stories to live on.”
One of his most cherished works is the sculpture “Laundry in the River,” a deeply personal piece inspired by rural Zimbabwean life.
The sculpture portrays a woman kneeling by a flowing river while washing clothes, capturing a moment of quiet reflection and dignity.
“I wanted to highlight the strength and resilience of women,” Nyanhongo said.
“Their everyday work often goes unnoticed, yet it is vital to family and community life.”
The piece was inspired by his grandmother, who used to wash clothes in a river during her youth days.
“She would tell us stories about life in those days,” he said.
“Through that sculpture I wanted to honour her memories and the countless women who share similar experiences.”
Nyanhongo’s artistic journey began in Zimbabwe under the guidance of his father, Claude Nyanhongo, one of the respected figures in the country’s famous Nyanhongo family of sculptors.
Growing up surrounded by stone carving gave him early exposure to the craft and helped shape his passion for sculpture.
Over the years, he has exhibited widely across the world, with his work appearing in galleries and exhibitions in the United Kingdom, Germany, Belgium, the United States, Australia and Canada.
He has also participated in major international showcases, including the World Expo in Germany, and several art fairs across Europe.
Today, Nyanhongo divides his time between Zimbabwe and the United Kingdom, where he also runs a studio in Cambridge that allows him to collaborate with international artists and host workshops.
Despite his growing international reputation, his commitment to Zimbabwe remains strong.
“Zimbabwe has one of the richest sculpting traditions in the world,” he said.
“Projects like the Nyanga Art Studio are about protecting that heritage and passing it on to the next generation.”
