Born in 1960 in Nyanga, Agnes Nyanhongo is now considered one ofthe most prominent and successful of Zimbabwe's sculptors and themost acknowledged woman in this field. She is the daughter of thewell known sculptor, Claud Nyanhongo, and as a child spent a greatdeal of time helping him with the polishing of his work. Thesensitivity with which she expresses her ideas and the respect forthe material that is so apparent in her work could arguably haveresulted from these early formative experiences.

 

She began sculpting full time at an early age and in 1983 embarkedon a three- year course at the B.A.T. Workshops in Harare, where shewas considered to be one of the most promising students. Her quietdetermination and belief in her work have carried it along apurposeful and individual path and have now earned her much criticalacclaim and many awards. She works quite extensively with the humanform, sometimes specifically with female issues, but alwaysexpressing a calm and watchful strength that seems so true to her ownpersonality and character.

 

Agnes Nyanhongo derives some inspiration from the stone itself,but much of her work depicts the natural world around her; makingclose observations, but ultimately working from her own mental imagesof the subject. However, it is with traditional Shona myths that shehas become increasingly involved recently. Not only does she feelthat these have great relevance now, but she believes, as a sculptor,she has a responsibility in keeping them alive. "It is easier forartists as they can portray them in a striking figurative way which,when combined with a strong title, will remind or tell the viewer ofan important story and this will remain with them." Her work isalways attractive, with easy lines and areas of beautiful finishalongside other, unworked surfaces. As a result the images sheproduces, already universal by there nature, are presented in acombination of simplicity, quiet dignity, beauty and finesse.

 

Women's issues have run through her career. "I try somehow toexpress the role women play in society and the way they are beingtreated - they are still not free. They are struggling for freedom.Men must also see this because it is something that exists betweenmen and women." At times her work has a rather specific message; forexample, Nehanda - Spirit Medium, depicts the role of the nationalheroine Mbuya Nehanda, who inspired the first uprising against thewhite settlers in 1896. Other memorable works are The Conversation,with its Mona Lisa type effect of changing moods and tensions, TheFamily and The Thinker.

 

Nyanhongo has now worked at Chapungu Sculpture Park in Harare forseven years, and her work has taken its place alongside those of thegreatest Zimbabwean sculptors in many successful exhibitions both inZimbabwe and internationally. Together with Colleen Madamombe theexhibition "Woman Achievers in Africa" is presently on a worldtour.