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The stage has been set for visual artist Option Nyahunzvi’s solo exhibition titled “Zvatiri,” taking place on February 13 at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe in Harare.
The 34-year-old artist has been showcasing his collections overseas and is excited to exhibit on home turf.
Unlike the proverbial prophet who lacks honour in his homeland, Nyahunzvi aims to challenge this notion with his art collection.
In a statement, Nyahunzvi expressed his determination to win the hearts of many through his solo exhibition.
“We really do not think much about the mundane things that define us, such as our references to totems or clapping our hands as we greet others,” stressed Nyahunzvi. “These are values that have stood the test of time; they have survived even colonialism, and I want to capture our kinesics through painting.”
According to his curatorial statement, the exhibition is set to illuminate how the cordial nature of our ancestors has conditioned us to Unhu, and how it serves as a compass toward the fulfilment of goodness. His work draws parallels between the lotus position in Eastern esotericism, which has always served as a resting position, and how our kinesics are heavily influenced by a sense of welcome rather than aggression. NGZ curator Zvikomborero Mandangu praised Nyahunzvi for his creativity.
“As one of the solo exhibitions on our schedule this year, we felt that Nyahunzvi’s work, rooted in the investigation of identity, would be a great showcase,” asserted Mandangu.
“I believe ‘Zvatiri’ will serve as a post-millennial rallying cry for spiritual patriotism.”
‘Zvatiri’, which opens to the public on February 13, will feature a curatorial walkabout, conversations, and an artist talk. According to his biography, Nyahunzvi was born in Harare in 1992 and raised in Rusape. He is renowned for his vibrant mixed-media compositions that explore themes of spirituality, ancestry, and cultural mythology, deeply rooted in Shona heritage.
His distinctive style merges painting and printmaking techniques, creating dynamic layers of bright colours and intricate contour lines that evoke both the physical and spiritual realms. From a young age, Nyahunzvi demonstrated a passion for art, drawing inspiration from his imagination and experiences. Determined to pursue his creative path, he earned a Certificate in Visual Arts and Design from the National Gallery School of Visual Arts and Design in association with Harare Polytechnic in 2015.
During his studies, he developed a signature technique of layering Fabriano paper onto canvas, which he then peels away in strips to reveal etched lines. This process not only adds texture, but also symbolises the shedding of burdens and obstacles — a metaphor for personal growth and transformation.
Nyahunzvi’s work often features distorted, ghostly figures that represent ancestral spirits, serving as guardians and guides for the living. These spectral forms, often portrayed in animalistic shapes or as familiar faces, inhabit vast, dreamlike landscapes, inviting viewers to explore the intersection of the real and the imagined. A recurring motif in his work is the zebra, a totem symbol that connects the artist to his clan and ancestors. Through the zebra’s distinctive stripes, Nyahunzvi pays homage to his cultural heritage while reimagining traditional storytelling and mythology through a contemporary lens.
His creative process is fluid and intuitive, allowing for a seamless blend of spontaneity and careful deliberation. By flattening perspective and using textured layers of colour-blocked paper alongside bare, unpainted spaces, Nyahunzvi creates compositions where no single element is prioritised, encouraging viewers to engage with the entire canvas and interpret its meaning individually.
