Daily life and the hustle and bustle of local activities are inexhaustible sources of inspiration for many artists, who capture the vitality of certain regions of the world through their work. Gareth Nyandoro, a talented artist, focuses on visually depicting the daily life and informal entrepreneurship of the inhabitants of Ruwa, his hometown. His solo exhibition “Gareth Nyandoro: PFUMVUDZA”, on show at Tiwani Contemporary Gallery until June 15, offers a captivating look at the habits of the local population.
Renowned for his life-size works on paper, Gareth Nyandoro goes beyond the two-dimensional format to create installations incorporating waste paper and objects found in the markets of Harare, where he lives and works. His inspiration comes from the urban landscape and the daily lives of his fellow citizens, reflecting both the local reality and the cultural richness of Zimbabwe. Drawing on his training as an engraver, the artist has developed a unique technique called Kucheka-cheka, inspired by the Shona verb “cheka” meaning “to cut”.
The exhibition “Gareth Nyandoro: PFUMVUDZA” highlights the artist’s unique kuchecka-cheka style through a variety of mediums including drawing, small and large-scale mixed-media installations, all imbued with the techniques of etching, paper-cutting, assemblage and decorative accessories. This artistic presentation reveals Gareth Nyandoro’s personal commitment. The artist explores the concept of pfumvudza, which means “early spires to blossom or thrive”, referring to Zimbabwe’s government-approved, UN-funded program to promote self-reliance. The program aims to promote citizen self-sufficiency by helping families and small-scale producers implement sustainable farming practices to restore soil fertility.
Amid challenges such as scarcity of resources like energy and water, climate change, hyperinflation, confinements and post-pandemic living, Gareth Nyandoro’s works highlight Zimbabwean citizens reflecting on food sustainability, urban agriculture, economic migration in and out of Zimbabwe, and resilience.
The top of the gallery explores contrasting experiences during and after the pandemic, highlighting the impact of confinement and restrictions on movement and business activities. The positive adoption of Pfumvudza during this period testifies to the resilience and desire for self-sufficiency of its citizens, illustrated by works such as “Locked Chill” and “Pfumvudza/Maïs-cobs”.
The African artist’s works capture the transition to current circumstances, with depictions of harvests and protected crops, symbolizing the return to “normal” life. However, questions remain about the long-term effectiveness of the Pfumvudza program and future support for small-scale farmers. The painting “Panorama” allegorically evokes the migration of the Zimbabwean population in search of employment opportunities elsewhere.
The lower gallery space highlights backyard trading and livestock projects, capturing the activity of informal livestock farmers and traders. Works such as “Chicken Run Setup” and “Chickens for Sale #1,2,3” reflect the rise of small-scale poultry farming, inspired by the aesthetics of local advertising posters. Gareth Nyandoro also addresses the issue of inflation and high interest rates, recreating the primacy of the US dollar in works such as “We Buy Torn Dollar Notes”. Paintings like “Corner Glenara and Nelson Mandela Hustle” capture the activity of vendors around busy intersections, highlighting their adaptability and perseverance in informal and legitimate market spaces as a means of livelihood.
In a captivating artistic fusion, Gareth Nyandoro explores the contrasts of everyday life in Zimbabwe, highlighting the impact of the pandemic, the resilience of its citizens and the economic challenges facing the country. Through her vibrant and expressive works, the artist captures the vitality of informal commercial activities, the evolution of agricultural practices and the struggle for survival in a context of high inflation rates. His bold aesthetic and ability to capture the essence of Zimbabwean urban life make the artist a perceptive observer and skillful interpreter of his country’s complex reality.
Subjugating art lovers and furnishing galleries with his committed work, recent exhibitions include I See You, Tiwani Contemporary, Lagos, Nigeria (group – 2022); Suburban Bliss, Althuis Hofland Fine Arts, Amsterdam, Netherlands (solo – 2022); Maworks, Van Doren Waxter, New York, USA Read All About It(solo – 2021); Ruwa, Tiwani Contemporary, London, UK (in Switzerland). Par Amour du JeuMagasins Généraux, Paris, France (2018); Dessiner l’Afrique sur la carte, Quetzal Art Centre, Vilda de Frades, Portugal (group – 2018); among others.