Gedion Nyanhongo “Exercising”, Shona Springstone Sculpture, 1990s

A very impressive signed Shona sculpture in springstone titled “Exercising” by important Arizona-based Zimbabwean artist Gedion Nyanhongo.

Exquisitely rendered and reverent depiction of the female form exudes serene strength and Zimbabwe’s singular Shona sculptural aesthetic from head to toe. Woman in loose yet well-balanced ganda bherundasana (“formidable face”) yoga pose is hand carved from a single large piece of solid springstone. Polished to a high luster that contrasts strikingly with the chiseled, raw finish of the hair and base.

Stone displays deceptively complex character, being much deeper black in person than under the bright studio lights, with very fine and subtle caramel and butterscotch graining, veining, and accents. Image 20—taken from a fantastic Phillips Gallery of Fine Art exhibition catalog of Nyanhongo’s work that’s included with purchase—is an accurate representation of the piece in situ. We’re happy to provide additional photos upon request.

Growing up, Gedion Nyanhongo watched his father Claud Nyanhongo—a prominent artist and driving force within Zimbabwe’s Shona sculptural movement of the late 1950s—and later said: “Although I was young, I remember loving it and knowing that it was what I wanted to do.” He was mentored by internationally acclaimed sculptor and friend of his father Joseph Ndandarika, and began his solo career in 1988.

From the artist’s website: “Gedion Nyanhongo's sculptures offer to the viewer endearing elements of his Shona culture—the traditional values of the importance of Community, positive and respectful human relationships, the sacredness of life—with the intention to seek, evoke, and inspire these same values in their own families and cultures.”

His work has been showcased in solo and group exhibitions, and is included in private and public collections, around the world.

H 30.75 in. x W 10 in. x D 11 in. In great condition with light wear to base but no notable issues.