Zimbabwean artist Gresham Tapiwa Nyaude has ascended to new heights with his recent accolade as the 2024 recipient of the prestigious FNB Art Prize. Nyaude, born and raised in Harare, joins an illustrious list of African luminaries including Lady Skollie, Nolan Oswald Dennis, and Kudzanai Chiurai, all of whom have previously claimed the honour. Speaking from his studio in Harare, Nyaude describes the win as a surreal experience. “It feels amazing; for someone as low-key as I am, all this attention is something new,” he shares.
Nyaude’s artistic oeuvre has drawn global attention for its distinctive oscillation between figuration, abstraction, and surrealism, underpinned by a deep connection to his African roots. Over the course of more than a decade, the artist has carved out a unique identity, engaging with a palette and style that reflect the dynamism of his Shona heritage while probing Africa’s socio-political realities.
When asked about what set his work apart in the eyes of the FNB Art Prize judges, Nyaude is characteristically humble: “When you pour your heart into something, people feel that. They’re drawn to understand your story.” Indeed, his artistic journey, which began in the vibrant, creative atmosphere of his childhood home, has been nothing short of transformative. With an artist father and siblings gifted in drawing, Nyaude’s early exposure to the arts was enriched by a household that nurtured his latent talent.
His formal artistic path began in earnest in 2008 when he obtained a National Certificate in Fine Art from the National Gallery of Zimbabwe’s Visual Arts Studios. From that point on, his career has been marked by a relentless pursuit of authenticity in his work. “It’s been a process of constant learning and creating. Without art, I doubt I’d connect with the world in the same way,” he remarks.
The Art of Language and Street Aesthetic
For Nyaude, art transcends visual communication, serving as a medium to convey deeper linguistic and cultural connections. His works are suffused with references to Shona idioms and proverbs, which he describes as a crucial anchor in his creative process. “These idioms have deep historical significance. In my neighbourhood, we now use them as slang, and for me, that evolution is a way of preserving our language.”
Beyond language, Nyaude’s work is inspired by the world immediately around him—the streets of Harare. His paintings often feature fashionably attired figures, reflecting the aesthetic sensibilities of urban Zimbabwe. “I grew up surrounded by graffiti, and I’ve incorporated that street influence into my work with spray paints alongside traditional oil and charcoal mediums.”
One such example is MM, a striking piece emblazoned with the words “Time Will Decay.” The artwork captures Nyaude’s abstract sensibilities and his preoccupation with unfinished thoughts—images that appear suspended between finality and the fragmentary. Another example, MMXIII, portrays a figure seated on a vivid red chair, further exemplifying Nyaude’s inclination to explore the unfinished, the half-realised.
Socio-Political Themes and Local Reinvestment
While his work is lauded for its technical skill, it is the thematic weight of Nyaude’s portfolio that resonates most deeply with audiences. His paintings engage with pressing socio-political issues such as unemployment, drug abuse, and broader critiques of African governance and society. “It’s an exciting time to be in Africa, but it’s also a challenging one. I just try to be as authentic as possible, to be the best version of myself in the work I do.”
Nyaude’s approach to his artistry is also deeply connected to his sense of responsibility towards his community. Despite the profound economic challenges Zimbabwe has faced in recent decades, Nyaude has been able to navigate these difficulties, largely due to the international exposure his gallery representation has afforded him. “My gallery has been instrumental in helping me show my work globally, through fairs and exhibitions. But everything I earn, I reinvest back home. My inspiration comes from Zimbabwe, and I want to give back.”
With gallery representation securing his position in the global art world, Nyaude understands the symbiotic relationship between artistic creation and business acumen. “Working with a gallery allows me to remain financially stable. It’s a relationship that enables me to explore residencies and new opportunities, which in turn expand my practice.”
Looking Ahead: A Solo Show in 2025
As part of his FNB Art Prize win, Nyaude is already preparing for a solo exhibition in 2025. He envisions this upcoming project as a deeply personal endeavour. “It’s one of my biggest projects yet. I’m just a kid who grew up in a small township in Harare, but now it feels like the continent is watching to see how far I can stretch myself.”
Reflecting on the larger trajectory of his career, Nyaude names renowned artists such as William Kentridge and Jean-Michel Basquiat as influences. Both artists embody the global appeal Nyaude strives towards—an appeal rooted in local realities but resonating far beyond their immediate contexts. Though he currently works alone, Nyaude harbours aspirations to eventually build a team that can help realise his artistic vision on a larger scale, thus contributing to the creation of a sustainable creative industry in Zimbabwe.
In a country where economic instability is rife, Nyaude’s story is one of resilience, artistic integrity, and an unwavering connection to home. As he prepares to embark on the next chapter of his career, Nyaude’s work continues to speak not only to the present moment but also to the timeless complexities of African society.
