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Yeukai Karengezeka Entertainment Reporter
Many people begin to take their talents seriously when they grow older, but the case is different with upcoming young visual artist Option Nyahunzvi who has become one of the finest artist in the arts industry. He has defied odds by being the youngest among established artists like Berry Bickle, Masimba Hwati, Wallen Mapondera, Kufa Makwavarara and Misheck Masamvu who are currently exhibiting at the Gallery Delta until January 31 next year.
Born and bred in Rusape, Nyahunzvi realised his gift in arts when he was still in primary school and was later introduced into the industry by a friend two years ago.
“I started art long back when I was doing my primary education. I had a best friend who was very good at drawing and I started copying him.
“Then I started taking painting seriously in 2011 when I joined School of Visual Art and Design where I was introduced by a friend.
The 22-year-old has held few exhibitions but has managed to sell some of his works and hopes to hold a solo exhibition next year.
“I have managed to exhibit my work at places like National Gallery of Zimbabwe, Francaise Alliance and Delta Gallery.
“I also recently sold a piece at Francaise Alliance.”
His paintings are drawn from life experiences and he does not struggle to create them.
“My themes are drawn from life situations. If it is just a painting, I don’t take much time unless it is a print maker.
“I have a painting called “Chasara Kufa” which portrays a man in a critical condition, hopeless because his friends and relatives desert him because he is HIV positive,” he said.
The young painter highlighted some of the challenges upcoming artists face that include lack of support from corporates and competition.
“My biggest challenge at the moment is lack of funding from companies. The material we use is expensive and limits us to do more works.
“There is stiff competition in the industry that is flooded with established artists. We are therefore compelled to produce good material to be recognised in the market,” he said.
He aims to scale the heights of Masamvu and Mapondera.
Online Reporter