National Gallery of Zimbabwe Unveils “Zvatiri” – A Bold New Exhibition by Option Dzikamai Nyahunzvi

Feature – Harare’s cultural calendar comes alive this evening as the National Gallery of Zimbabwe opens its doors to a compelling new exhibition titled Zvatiri, a powerful showcase of recent works by acclaimed contemporary artist Option Dzikamai Nyahunzvi. The exhibition, which officially opens at 17:30hrs on 12 February 2026 at the Gallery’s historic premises along 20 Julius Nyerere Way, promises an immersive journey into identity, memory and the layered realities of modern Zimbabwean life.

The title Zvatiri, a Shona phrase meaning “Who We Are,” immediately sets the tone. It is reflective, searching and deeply personal. Yet it also feels collective, inviting audiences to consider their place within Zimbabwe’s cultural and historical continuum. In a nation constantly negotiating its past and present, Nyahunzvi’s work resonates with urgency.

At first glance, the promotional artwork for the exhibition is arresting. A lone figure stands at the centre of a dreamlike landscape, adorned in textured garments that blend rural tradition with contemporary stylisation. The character appears rooted in the earth, surrounded by vivid flora, shifting skies and the faint presence of wildlife. A zebra’s stripes emerge from the background, half visible, half obscured. A leafless tree stretches into a sky thick with colour and motion. Mountains roll softly into the distance. Everything feels alive, yet slightly surreal.

This visual tension has become something of a signature for Nyahunzvi, whose practice consistently challenges viewers to look beyond surface narratives. His canvases are rarely straightforward. They are layered with symbolism, textured storytelling and a playful yet critical reimagining of African identity.

Born in Zimbabwe, Option Dzikamai Nyahunzvi has, over the years, established himself as one of the country’s most distinctive contemporary artists. His work often interrogates themes of migration, belonging, spirituality and the postcolonial condition. He merges bold colour palettes with intricate patterning, drawing from both traditional African aesthetics and global contemporary art movements.

In Zvatiri, observers can expect a continuation and evolution of this dialogue. The central figure depicted in the promotional artwork appears both grounded and displaced. Bare feet press against the earth, suggesting connection and ancestry. Yet the swirling background and fragmented natural elements hint at transformation, movement and perhaps even dislocation.

Art critics who have followed Nyahunzvi’s career note his ability to use symbolism to spark conversation. The zebra, often associated with Zimbabwe’s wildlife heritage, becomes more than an animal. It represents duality, contrast and coexistence. The barren tree may evoke resilience in harsh seasons. The lush plants surrounding the figure speak to regeneration and cultural fertility. In Nyahunzvi’s world, nothing is accidental.

The National Gallery of Zimbabwe, as host of the exhibition, plays a pivotal role in framing this conversation. Established to preserve and promote Zimbabwe’s artistic heritage, the Gallery has increasingly become a platform for contemporary voices that challenge and redefine national identity. By showcasing Zvatiri, the institution reaffirms its commitment to nurturing artists who interrogate the social and political fabric of the nation.

Gallery representatives describe the exhibition as a timely reflection on belonging in an era marked by rapid change. Zimbabwe’s urban spaces are evolving. Rural landscapes are shifting. Young people are navigating global influences while trying to hold onto cultural roots. In this context, the question “Who We Are” becomes deeply significant.

Visitors attending the opening this evening can expect not only visual spectacle but emotional engagement. Nyahunzvi’s works do not simply hang on walls; they provoke thought. They challenge assumptions. They invite viewers to pause and reconsider how identity is formed and performed.

The timing of the exhibition is particularly poignant. As Zimbabwe continues to assert its place on the continental and global stage, cultural expression remains one of its strongest ambassadors. Art offers a language that transcends politics and borders. Through brushstrokes and colour, stories are told that cannot always be captured in policy documents or speeches.

Nyahunzvi’s technique also deserves attention. His use of layered textures and intricate detailing draws viewers closer to the canvas. From a distance, the composition feels expansive. Up close, small details reveal themselves: delicate patterns on clothing, subtle shifts in sky tones, hidden forms within landscapes. This dual experience mirrors the complexity of identity itself. We are shaped by both broad historical forces and intimate personal experiences.

Beyond aesthetics, Zvatiri may also be read as a meditation on visibility. Who gets to define Zimbabweanness? Whose stories are amplified and whose are marginalised? By centring a solitary yet symbolic figure, Nyahunzvi seems to suggest that each individual carries a piece of the national narrative.

The National Gallery’s location along Julius Nyerere Way, a street named after the late Tanzanian liberation icon, adds historical resonance. The building itself has witnessed decades of artistic evolution, from early post independence exhibitions to contemporary experimental showcases. Hosting Zvatiri within these walls creates a dialogue between past and present generations of artists.

Art enthusiasts, students, cultural practitioners and members of the public are expected to attend the opening, which is open to invited guests and art lovers alike. The atmosphere is anticipated to be both celebratory and contemplative. Conversations will likely spill beyond the Gallery’s halls, extending into cafes, classrooms and community spaces.

For young artists, Nyahunzvi’s journey offers inspiration. His ability to carve a unique visual language while remaining grounded in Zimbabwean realities demonstrates that authenticity remains powerful. In a world saturated with digital imagery, his hand crafted, symbol rich paintings stand out.

As Harare’s evening light fades and visitors gather at 17:30hrs, Zvatiri promises more than an exhibition. It is an invitation. An invitation to reflect, to question and to reconnect. In the quiet space between viewer and artwork, something intimate happens. We see ourselves differently.

Ultimately, Option Dzikamai Nyahunzvi’s latest body of work challenges Zimbabweans to look inward while standing confidently in the world. Through vibrant landscapes, layered symbolism and deeply human figures, he asks a simple yet profound question: Who are we?

The answers, perhaps, lie not only on the canvas but within each visitor who walks through the doors of the National Gallery of Zimbabwe this evening.