AT a time when questions of identity and belonging dominate cultural discourse, visual artist Option Nyahunzvi steps forward with a bold declaration.
His latest exhibition, Zvatiri, a Shona phrase meaning “this is us”, opens at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe.
Rooted in personal experience yet resonating beyond borders, the showcase interrogates what it means to be Zimbabwean today.
Through layered textures and vibrant colour, Nyahunzvi invites audiences to a space of reflection and affirmation.
NewsDay Life & Style (ND) caught up with the artist (ON) to unpack the vision behind the exhibition.
ND: Option, congratulations on your upcoming exhibition, Zvatiri, at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe. Can you tell us about your background and how you became involved with Mbare Art Space?
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ON: My work has always explored identity, culture and social commentary.
My journey was shaped significantly by Mbare Art Space, where I attended exhibitions and workshops.
The community there is like family.
It offered me a platform to collaborate, grow and contribute to Zimbabwe’s vibrant art scene.
ND: Briefly, describe your experience as a student at the National Gallery and why it became your venue of choice?
ON: My time at the National Gallery was transformative.
I absorbed knowledge, experimented with different forms and connected with established artists.
Exhibiting there carries institutional weight and visibility. Its history and cultural significance add depth to Zvatiri.
ND: Your work centres on identity and social commentary. What inspires this focus?
ON: These themes are personal, rooted in my upbringing in Zimbabwe.
I am fascinated by how history and culture shape our understanding of ourselves.
Through storytelling, symbolism and mixed media, I aim to spark dialogue and encourage reflection.
Art, for me, transcends boundaries and speaks on a deeper level.
ND: The title Zvatiri translates to “this is us” or “we are here”. What does it represent?
ON: It is a declaration of presence.
The exhibition celebrates Zimbabwean identity and resilience while inviting reflection on our past, present and future.
It challenges assumptions and reminds us that our stories matter.
ND: Your curatorial statement speaks of the complexities of Zimbabwean identity. How is this explored?
ON: Zimbabwean identity is layered and dynamic, shaped by history, politics and culture.
The works engage themes such as colonialism, tradition and modernity.
Together, they create a tapestry of voices from ancestral struggles to contemporary aspirations reflecting who we are.
ND: Your use of mixed media and bold colours stands out. Why these techniques?
ON: Mixed media allows experimentation and layered meaning.
I combine paper, canvas, paint and found objects, blending tradition and contemporary expression.
Bold colours reflect the vibrancy of Zimbabwean life and create an immersive experience.
ND: What do you hope audiences to take away?
ON: A sense of connection and curiosity.
I want viewers to see themselves in the work and to engage in conversations about culture and humanity.
ND: What challenges face Zimbabwean artists today?
ON: Limited access to resources and markets remains a major hurdle.
However, digital platforms and growing international interest present new opportunities.
The industry is evolving, becoming more diverse and experimental.
ND: What lies ahead for you?
ON: I plan to continue exhibiting locally and internationally.
Upcoming projects include a collaborative mural in Harare and a solo exhibition in Bulawayo.
I am also exploring themes that merge traditional culture with modern technology.
ND: And the future of Zvatiri?
ON: I hope it travels widely and continues sparking dialogue.
It is more than an exhibition instead, it is a celebration of identity and a call for a deeper understanding of Zimbabwean art.