“Many artists create by building – I create by subtracting. The natural configuration of a stone calls to me and I remove what doesn’t belong.”
Using the basic hammer and chisel to carve the stone, I then scrape, drill, file and sand – all by hand.
The medium is stone so I am best described as personification artist – giving human characteristic to something that is not human.
All of my sculptures, whether Human, Wildlife or Abstract/Symbolic evoke identifiable positive feelings in the viewer.
I shape the stone into its realized beauty; most are fully developed 3-dimensional forms, yet some are high-relief.
I adhere to the traditional techniques and style of Shona Sculpture, I only use stone that I import exclusively from Zimbabwe.
With a strong sense of responsibility, opportunity and intention, I transform hard and enduring stone into sculptures that capture all that is good and worth preserving in the world around us.
BIOGRAPHY:
Gedion was born into an artistic family in Zimbabwe, Africa.
During his youth, he watched his father, Claud Nyanhongo, a prominent artist and driving force within the innovative Shona Sculpture movement (unique to Zimbabwe) that began in the late 1950s and says: …although I was young, I remember loving it and knowing that it was what I wanted to do.”
Gedion was mentored by internationally acclaimed sculptor Joseph Ndandarika (a friend of his father) and began his solo career in 1988 with his first exhibition opening at the Mabwe Gallery in Harare, Zimbabwe in 1989.
Gedion Nyanhongo’s vision and skills have earned him international recognition as a sculptor of excellence. His works have been showcased in solo and group exhibitions at venues around the world, including: England, France, Germany, Holland, Hong Kong, South Africa, U.S.A, and Zimbabwe.
Gedion’s work is included in both private and public collections.
He currently lives in Arizona and participates in shows and festivals across the nation.
Gedion is now teaching and passing his knowledge and expertise to the next generation - his son Courage is a very talented sculptor in his own right.
Public Works
Hartsfield Jackson/Atlanta International Airport
Two of Gedion’s Sculptures are on permanent display at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Read about it by clicking here
Gedion Nyanhongo Shona Art Sculpture “Generation Pyramid” in the permanent art collection of the Atlanta/Hartfield Jackson Airport, Atlanta, Georgia
Phoenix Zoo, Phoenix, Arizona
Commissioned Life-Size Zebra Sculpture
Gedion hand carved this life-size zebra sculpture commissioned by the Phoenix Zoo using one block of stone imported from Zimbabwe.