Zimbabwean artist Gresham Tapiwa Nyaude has been announced as the winner of the 2024 FNB Art Prize, a prestigious accolade presented during a ceremony in Rosebank on August 6. This marks the 14th edition of the annual competition, which is dedicated to fostering and elevating the cultural and artistic contributions of the African continent.
The 2024 FNB Art Prize jury, composed of Kim Kandan (fair manager and FNB Art Joburg representative), Lezanne Viviers (collector, creative director, and founder of VIVIERS), and Mfundi Vundla (collector and veteran film and television producer), praised Nyaude’s work for its striking balance of hope and political resistance. The jury highlighted his skillful use of satire and nuanced approach to complex topics, commending his sophisticated technique and expressive power.
Nyaude, whose work oscillates between figuration, abstraction, and hallucination, draws inspiration from the vibrant and often turbulent environment of his hometown, Mbare, Harare. His art captures the restless energy of a nation where more than 70% of the population is under 30, reflecting both the brutal and sentimental aspects of life on the edge of survival and chaos.
The FNB Art Prize has a storied history of recognizing influential contemporary African artists. Previous winners include 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. “We are immensely proud to have played a role in supporting the creative economy and ensuring that contemporary African art remains a prominent player in the global art scene,” said FNB Chief Marketing Officer Faye Mfikwe.
Nyaude joins the ranks of these esteemed artists, further solidifying Zimbabwe’s contemporary contribution to African art. His previous accolades include international recognition and exhibitions, such as a major presentation at the 2018 New Museum Triennial in the United States. His works are also housed in prominent collections, including the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art, Museum of Contemporary African Art Al Maaden (Macaal), Rubell Family Collection, and the Jorge Perez personal collection.
As the 2024 FNB Art Prize winner, Nyaude will receive a cash prize and will be honored with a solo exhibition at the Johannesburg Art Gallery, home to the largest art collection on the continent. This opportunity further underscores the significance of Nyaude’s artistic contributions and his role in the ongoing dialogue of contemporary African art.
In other news – Trial of alleged hitmen in businessman murder plot continues
The trial of five alleged hitmen accused of plotting to murder prominent businessman Oliver Tendai Chipindu is set to continue this Friday, with the State expected to present evidence from its second witness. Last week, Harare magistrate Stanford Mambanje dismissed a defense motion seeking his recusal from the case. The defense argued that the magistrate’s prior interactions with the case could compromise fairness, but Mambanje ruled that the request lacked substantial grounds.
Consequently, the trial is set to proceed without a change of venue. The accused are Moses Monde from Johannesburg, Malvin Manzinde, Malvin Tatenda Nyamuranga, Norbert Muponda, and Joshua Mapuranga from Cape Town. Read More
