The Ohio Artist Registry (OAR) is an exciting opportunity for artists to share their work, connect with the creative community, and establish an online presence—all on a free, virtual platform! The OAR encourages artists working in all art forms, throughout Ohio and beyond, to create a profile, which allows them to better promote themselves and their work. Being listed in the OAR provides artists with new opportunities to share their work with clients, galleries, patrons, and audiences. A listing in the OAR does not confer an endorsement, approval, or verification by the Ohio Arts Council.
For more information, contact Kathy Signorino, artist programs director, at kathy.signorino@oac.ohio.gov or 614-728-6140.
2024 Ohio Artist Registry Juried Exhibition
Gedion Nyanhongo
Sculptor Gedion Nyanhongo SculpturesFostoria Ohio 44830 United States Home Phone: 480-255-4184 Membership: September 6, 2023 Website: Gedion Nyanhongo Sculptures
Bio
Stone sculptor Gedion Nyanhongo was born into an artistic family on December 22, 1967 in Nyanga, Zimbabwe, Africa. He was influenced from a very young age by his father, Claud Nyanhongo, a prominent artist among the “first generation” sculptors, the pioneers of the Shona Sculpture Movement (sculpture unique to Zimbabwe) that began in the late 1950s.
“I used to watch my father sculpt when I grew up, and although I was young, I remember loving it and knowing that sculpting was what I wanted to do.”
After an apprenticeship with the internationally acclaimed sculptor Joseph Ndandarika (also a first generation sculptor of the Movement), Gedion embarked on a solo career in 1988, where his vision and technical skills have earned him international recognition as a sculptor of excellence.
Through the years Gedion has become even more discerning in creating sculptures that move the Movement forward into the 21st century, whilst maintaining a bridge reaching back to the rich stories and culture of his ancestors.
Artist Statement
My sculptures focus on the things that collectively make up the bigger picture – life, love, and the sensations that define us all. They celebrate love, especially family love and the spiritual power it provides to promote peace in my art.
Deceptively simple and flowing work, one can gain a real insight into my heritage, the Shona people of Zimbabwe, Africa and its rich culture. Creating unique, hand carved stone sculpture and sharing it with the world is my great passion.
My sculptures in hard and enduring Opal Stone, Spring Stone and Zimbabwe (Nyanga) Stone will outlive political regimes that threaten community, family and individual rights and values.
I use traditional carving techniques used for generations by the Shona people of Zimbabwe. I exclusively use indigenous stone mined in Zimbabwe – such as serpentine, spring stone, opal, lepidolite and verdite, which I import to the United States. Carving, chiseling and honing each piece over many, many hours completely by hand, using traditional tools and only by myself.
