Zimbabwean artist Gresham Nyaude wins 2024 FNB Art...

Zimbabwean artist Gresham Nyaude wins 2024 FNB Art Prize

Zim Now Writer

Zimbabwean artist, Gresham Tapiwa Nyaude recently became the fourth Zimbabwean to win the annual FNB Art Prize in Johannesburg.

Nyaude follows in the footsteps of Kudzanai Chiurai, Portia Zvavahera and Wycliffe Mundopa.

The prize forms part of the FNB Art Fair, which is Africa’s longest running contemporary art fair, which will take place between September 6 and 8 at the Sandton Convention Centre for its 17th edition.

As the winner of the 2024 prize, Nyaude’s work will be displayed at the fair. He will also receive a cash prize and also have a solo exhibition at the Johannesburg Art Gallery.

“I never dreamed that one day I will receive this award – this is a big deal for me, I’m so happy, I’m so honoured,” an elated Nyaude said at a function in Johannesburg upon receiving the award on Tuesday.

“I’m doing the right thing, I’m in the right lane of my life… receiving this most prestigious art award in Africa," he said.

By winning the FNB Art Prize, Nyaude joins previous winners Lindokuhle Sobekwa, Dada Khanyisa, Wycliffe Mundopa, Lady Skollie, Bronwyn Katz, Haroon Gunn-Salie, Peju Alatise, Nolan Oswald Dennis, Turiya Magadlela, Portia Zvavahera, Nelisiwe Xaba, Mocke J van Veuren, Kudzanai Chiurai, and Cedric Nunn.

“When you look back at the calibre of artists who have won this prize, they are awe-inspiring to the public and their peers. They find new ways to use existing materials to interrogate important issues,” said FNB Art Joburg’s Managing Director, Mandla Sibeko.

“Gresham is no different. The way he approaches the canvas with paint continues the reflective, conscious, and delicate legacies that the medium has offered through previous winners.”

His biography on the international Kristin Hjellegjerde Gallery’s website says the 36-year-old Nyaude “works against the sweeping identity that has been defined by the voice of the [Zimbabwean] state. His images oscillate between figuration, abstraction and hallucination, drawing from the restless energy of his home town.”.

His work also sits in the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art, Museum of Contemporary African Art Al Maaden (Macaal), Rubell Family Collection, Jorge Perez personal collection and numerous notable private collections.