Option Nyahunzvi’s Solo Exhibition “Zvatiri” Opens at National Gallery of Zimbabwe
Visual artist Option Nyahunzvi is set to launch his solo exhibition, “Zvatiri,” on February 13 at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe in Harare. At 34 years old, Nyahunzvi has gained recognition for his collections abroad and is eager to showcase his work on home soil.
Challenging the idea that a prophet lacks honour in their own country, Nyahunzvi aims to capture the essence of Zimbabwean identity through his art. “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,” he said. “These are values that have stood the test of time; they have survived even colonialism, and I want to capture our kinesics through painting.”
The exhibition highlights how ancestral cordiality has shaped Unhu, guiding ethical and communal conduct. Nyahunzvi draws parallels between the lotus position in Eastern esotericism, traditionally used for rest and reflection, and the welcoming gestures embedded in Zimbabwean culture. NGZ curator Zvikomborero Mandangu praised Nyahunzvi’s work, describing it as a compelling exploration of identity. “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,” Mandangu said.
“Zvatiri” will feature a curatorial walkabout, artist conversations, and a dedicated talk by Nyahunzvi. Born in Harare in 1992 and raised in Rusape, he is known for vibrant mixed-media compositions that explore spirituality, ancestry, and Shona cultural mythology. His distinctive style merges painting with printmaking techniques, layering bright colours and intricate contours to evoke both the physical and spiritual realms.
Nyahunzvi earned a Certificate in Visual Arts and Design from the National Gallery School of Visual Arts and Design in partnership with Harare Polytechnic in 2015. During his studies, he developed a signature technique of layering Fabriano paper onto canvas, peeling it in strips to reveal etched lines. This method adds texture and symbolises shedding burdens, reflecting personal growth and transformation.
His compositions often feature ghostly, distorted figures representing ancestral spirits. These spectral forms appear in animalistic shapes or familiar faces, acting as guides for the living while inhabiting vast, dreamlike landscapes. The zebra is a recurring motif, connecting Nyahunzvi to his clan and ancestry, and reimagining traditional storytelling through a contemporary lens.
Nyahunzvi’s creative process blends spontaneity with careful planning. He flattens perspective, combines textured layers of colour-blocked paper with bare spaces, and avoids prioritising any single element. This approach encourages viewers to engage fully with the canvas and interpret each piece individually. With “Zvatiri,” Option Nyahunzvi offers a visually dynamic and culturally resonant exhibition that celebrates Zimbabwean identity, ancestral heritage, and contemporary artistic expression.
