The Nyanhongo Legacy Exhibition: A Celebration of Stone Sculpture in Harare

An extraordinary and visually captivating stone sculpture exhibition opened last Friday in Harare, spearheaded by the legendary sculptress Agnes Nyanhongo. Dubbed the Nyanhongo Legacy Exhibition, the showcase is hosted at Hunters Moon Estates in Highlands and is a profound tribute to the enduring legacy of the Nyanhongo family.

The event attracted a diverse audience, including top art collectors, enthusiasts, and curators, eager to witness this celebration of the Shona stone sculpture tradition pioneered by the late Claud Nyanhongo, the family patriarch. Claud, a trailblazer in Zimbabwean sculpture, would undoubtedly be proud to see his children and grandchildren continuing his legacy with such vibrancy and skill.

Agnes Nyanhongo, who turns 65 this year, is the centerpiece of the exhibition. Her sculptures, showcased alongside those of her siblings Brian, Dennis, and Euwitt, as well as the works of her nephew Stalin, offer a rich tapestry of artistry that reaffirms the Nyanhongo family’s preeminence in Zimbabwean art. Speaking at the event, Agnes reflected on the significance of the exhibition:

“This exhibition is meant to celebrate the works that were pioneered by our late father, Claud Nyanhongo. He taught us this trade, and we are glad that the third generation of the Nyanhongos is following suit.”

The exhibition features an impressive range of sculptures priced between US$500 and over US$3,500, underscoring the commercial and cultural value of this timeless art form. Agnes expressed her gratitude for the warm reception at the event and highlighted the importance of familial collaboration in their artistic journey.

“We always work as a family, putting into practice what we were taught by our father. This rare exhibition shows that we are united, which has made our task easier,” she said.

The collaborative spirit was echoed by her brother Dennis, who began his sculpting career in 1994. For Dennis, the exhibition serves as both a celebration and a continuation of their father’s groundbreaking work.

“This is a special day for us as a family. I started this business after learning the ropes from my father, and it feels good that we are now professionals who have mastered the art,” he said.

Brian Nyanhongo, a seasoned sculptor who has exhibited extensively across the United States and Europe, also emphasized the familial and cultural importance of the event. Brian, who was mentored by the late Roy Guthrie of Chapungu Sculpture Park, views the exhibition as a testament to the enduring strength of the Nyanhongo family’s artistic legacy.

The international acclaim of the Nyanhongo family is well-documented, with exhibitions in prestigious venues such as Kew Gardens in London, Palmengarten in Frankfurt, and the Denver Botanic Gardens in the United States. This global recognition reflects the universal appeal of Shona sculpture, rooted in Zimbabwean heritage and elevated by the Nyanhongos’ talent.

The Nyanhongo Legacy Exhibition is more than an art showcase; it is a poignant reminder of the power of heritage, collaboration, and passion. As the family continues to inspire new generations of artists, their work remains a cornerstone of Zimbabwean cultural identity, celebrated both at home and on the international stage.

For art lovers and collectors, the exhibition at Hunters Moon Estates is a must-visit—a unique opportunity to witness the mastery of a family whose artistry transcends time and borders.