"Pfumvudza: Gareth Nyandoro's solo show to open at Tiwani Gallery, London

by Admin

Gareth Nyandoro, 'Greenhouse Trellising', 2023, Mixed Media / Paper Mounted on Canvas 300 x 230 cm (image courtesy of Tiwani website)

As the vibrant pulse of London’s art scene quickens with the arrival of its spring, Tiwani Gallery in London eagerly anticipates the opening of its latest exhibition - "Pfumvudza" featuring captivating work of Zimbabwean artist Gareth Nyandoro.

Nyandoro, who lives and works in Ruwa, a town nestled just a short drive from Harare, brings forth a body of work that speaks volumes about the resilience, resourcefulness, and unwavering spirit of his community. Through a masterful blend of mixed-media drawings and installations, Nyandoro invites viewers to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of everyday life in Zimbabwe, particularly in the face of myriad challenges such as resource scarcity, economic instability, and the ever-looming specter of climate change.

At the core of Nyandoro’s exhibition lies the concept of "pfumvudza," a term that encapsulates the essence of early shoots, symbolizing growth, resilience, and the pursuit of self-sufficiency. Inspired by the eponymous government-sanctioned program initiated in 2020, Nyandoro’s work delves into the complexities of Zimbabwean society, where the quest for food sustainability and economic stability intertwines with the realities of urban farming, economic migration, and the quest for a brighter future.

Through works such as "Pfumvudza/Maize-cob Steelers," (2021) Nyandoro captures the juxtaposition between the uncertainties wrought by enforced lockdowns and the indomitable spirit of his community as they strive to reclaim a sense of normalcy and self-sufficiency.

Nyandoro offers a glimpse into the bustling energy of Zimbabwean street life, where entrepreneurial spirit thrives amidst economic turbulence through works like "Chicken Run Setup" and "Chickens for Sale # 1,2,3," (2023)

Nyandoro’s show presents work that stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. In the striking work"Corner Glenara and Nelson Mandela Hustle," (2024) he captures the vibrancy and tenacity of Zimbabwean vendors, whose indomitable spirit serves as a beacon of hope in the face of adversity.

The exhibition runs until 15 June 2024.

For more information visit: https://www.tiwani.co.uk