Agnes Nyanhongo

The finest and most renowned female Second Generation sculptor in Zimbabwe and one of Africas most important and collected artists. She is the Nyanga born daughter of Claude Nyanhongo, one of Zimbabwes most famous and esteemed first generation sculptors. He taught her the basics and he was an encouraging driving force in inspiring her to become a professional artist. In 1980, year of Zimbabwes independence from Rhodesia, she began sculpting full time. Two decades later, Agnes has achieved international recognition and critical acclaim within the world of contemporary sculpture. Not only has she thrived in a medium that is dominated by men but she uses her womanhood as the main source of inspiration. Her training includes being a resident artist at Chapungu Sculptor Park (1996 2003); B.A.T. course, National Gallery of Zimbabwe, Harare (1980-1983), where she was recognized as one of the most promising young artists in1983, and apprenticing her famed father Claude Nyanhongo (1980 1972). Select exhibitions include being a Guest Artist, In Praise of Women, London and Copenhagen (2003); Guest Artist, Zuva Gallery, Arizona (2003); and she has participated in countless exhibitions at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Hamburg Botanical Gardens, Dortmund Westphalia Park, Sevilla Zimbabwean Pavilion, Cologne German Wave, and Colorado Loveland, just to name a few. Oprah Winfrey and Maya Angelou are among the known collectors of her work.