Harare, Zimbabwe – Zimbabwean artist Gresham Tapiwa Nyaude has been awarded the prestigious 2024 FNB Art Prize, a significant accolade in the African art scene. The announcement was made during a ceremony in Rosebank on August 6, marking the 14th edition of the annual competition.
Nyaude, known for his satirical art that blends hope and political resistance, has gained international recognition with his works featured in the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art and the Rubell Family Collection. His unique style, influenced by his upbringing in Mbare, Harare, combines figuration, abstraction, and hallucination, capturing the raw energy and economic pressures of his environment.
The FNB Art Prize jury praised Nyaude’s ability to balance hope and political resistance in his work. “His adept use of satire allows him to navigate and illuminate complex, often contentious topics with a nuanced approach that invites viewers to engage critically,” the jury noted. They also highlighted his sophisticated use of color and control over brushwork, which enhances the expressive power of his art¹².
Winning the FNB Art Prize includes a cash award and a solo exhibition at the Johannesburg Art Gallery (JAG). This recognition is expected to further elevate Nyaude’s profile, allowing him to reach a larger global audience. “The result has been overwhelming,” Nyaude said in an interview. “The exposure and attention have been incredible, and the timing is perfect as I currently have a show running.”
Nyaude’s journey as an artist began in Mbare, one of Harare’s oldest townships. Growing up in an environment with limited resources and no formal art education, he was self-taught from a young age. “Mbare is known for its street and raw energy, which has significantly influenced my work,” Nyaude explained. “The economic pressures in our country push for a high level of creativity and self-motivation.”
The FNB Art Prize has been a stepping stone for many artists, and Nyaude joins a distinguished list of previous winners, including Lindokuhle Sobekwa, Dada Khanyisa, and Wycliffe Mundopa. Faye Mfikwe, FNB Chief Marketing Officer, congratulated Nyaude, stating, “We are immensely proud of our long-standing sponsorship of the FNB Art Prize, which has become one of the most coveted art prizes on the African continent.”
As Nyaude continues to make waves in the art world, his work remains a powerful commentary on the socio-political landscape of Zimbabwe and beyond. His ability to blend personal experience with broader societal issues makes his art both compelling and thought-provoking.
