|
Agnes Nyanhongo
(b. 1960, Zimbabwe)
“My work carries a message of how I feel, and what I would
like to say, not only to women, but to people all over the world”
Born in 1960 in Nyanga, Agnes Nyanhongo is now one of the most prominent
and successful of Zimbabwe's sculptors and one of the most acknowledged
female artists in Africa. Agnes is the daughter of the well-known
sculptor, Claud Nyanhongo, and as a child spent a great deal of time
helping him with the polishing of his work. The sensitivity with which
Agnes expresses her ideas and the respect for the material that is so
apparent in her work could arguably have resulted from these early
formative experiences.
Agnes Nyanhongo began sculpting full time at an early age and in 1983
embarked on a three-year course at the B.A.T. Workshops in Harare, where
she was considered to be one of the most promising students. Her quiet
determination and belief in her work have carried it along a purposeful
and individual path and have now earned her international acclaim and
many awards.
Agnes works quite extensively with the human form, sometimes
specifically with female issues, but always expressing a calm and
watchful strength that seems so true to her own personality and
character. Her inspiration is often derived from the stone itself, but
much of her work depicts the natural world around her; making close
observations, but ultimately working from her own mental images of the
subject. However, it is with traditional Shona myths that she has become
increasingly involved. Not only does she feel that these have great
relevance now, but she believes, as a sculptor, she has a responsibility
in keeping them alive.
Agnes Nyanhongo’s work is always attractive, with easy lines and areas
of beautiful finish alongside other, unworked surfaces. As a result the
images she produces, already universal by their nature, are presented in
a combination of simplicity, quiet dignity, beauty and finesse.
Agnes sculpture has been exhibited throughout the world and is in
private and corporate collections. Jones & Terwilliger Galleries is
proud to represent Agnes sculpture in southern California.
|
