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Gareth Nyandoro
Zimbabwe, 1982

Gareth Nyandoro is noted for his large works on paper, which often spill out of their two-dimensional format and into installations that include paper scraps and objects found in the markets of Harare, where he lives and works. The artist’s chief source of inspiration is the daily landscape of the city and its residents, both within the local milieu and the larger cultural panorama of Zimbabwe. Inspired by his training as a printmaker, and derived from etching, the artist’s distinctive technique, Kucheka cheka, is named after the infinitive and present tense declinations of the Shona verb cheka, which means ‘to cut’.

He has exhibited at institutions such as Palais de Tokyo, Quetzal Art Centre, Rijksakademie, and Zeitz MOCAA, among others.

His work is part of collections such as MoMA New York, Zeitz MOCAA, Fondation Sindika Dokolo, Instituto Inhotim, Rachofsky Collection, SAM Art Projects and the National Gallery of Zimbabwe.

 

 

 

Townshop/Township

“Township” is a word rooted in colonial times that has transcended into contemporary Zimbabwe (post-colonial era). At the moment, I hover above like a drone, taking in the current panoramic landscape, which I refer to as “Townshop” (makeshift market stalls on available open spaces). This sight is a familiar trend among developing economies—everyone is trying to survive. Even migrants from developing countries who relocate to Europe often engage in this buying and reselling of trinkets as a means of survival.

The materials chosen for this exhibition mimic the temporary arrangements of urban makeshift markets made from wood, metal scraps, and plastics, adorned with trinkets such as cheap jewelry, locks, hair accessories, cigarettes, and more. These items are arranged in an attractive manner, naturally complementing the hustle and bustle of daily life.

In this exhibition, I have recreated scenes and sounds of prerecorded megaphones mimicking the calls of vendors selling their wares at Bhobho/Gazebo Township. People in all sorts of reflector work suits, customers rushing to grab something to cook for the evening, and Kombi (public transport operators) shouting for passengers all contribute to the atmosphere. The scene is chaotic, yet almost orderly—this is the norm in the Bhobho/Gazebo neighborhood.

Improvised market stalls are dotted on every street corner, mimicking sculpture, performance, and sound (megaphone) art. The landscape, as seen from above, is a mosaic of brown earth, blue, yellow, red, and all sorts of vibrant colors. Whatever one can find is put up for sale—second-hand clothes, bananas in pushing carts. The place is bustling with life and activity.

– Gareth Nyandoro

 

 

Gareth Nyandoro
$1 FOR 10 bananas
2024
Ink on paper on canvas
180 x 280 cm

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gareth Nyandoro
Bhero vendor
2024
Ink on paper mounted on board
124 x 124 x 5 cm

 

 

 

 

 

Gareth Nyandoro
Emmanuel Carpenters
2024
Mixed technique on canvas
42 x 38 cm

 

 

Gareth Nyandoro
Taps the Mechanic
2024
Mixed technique on canvas
42 x 38 cm

 

 

 

Gareth Nyandoro
Seller
2024
Mixed technique on canvas
42 x 38 cm

 

 

 

Gareth Nyandoro
Baseball cap stall
2024
Ink on paper mounted on board
124 x 247 x 5 cm

 

 

 

 

Gareth Nyandoro
Cabbage vendor and seller
2024
Ink on paper mounted on canvas
235 x 288 cm

 

Gareth Nyandoro
Junction Tuckshop
2024
Roofing metal sheet, ink on paper mounted on board.
124 x 130 x 26 cm

 

 

 

 

Gareth Nyandoro
TOWNSHOP
2024
Ink on paper mounted on 4 wooden panels
124 x 496 x5 cm

 

 

 

Gareth Nyandoro
Runner
2024
Ink on paper mounted on canvas
65 x 50 cm

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gareth Nyandoro. Stall(s) of fame. Palais de Tokyo, Paris. 2017

 

Gareth Nyandoro. Drawing Africa on the Map. Quinta do Quetzal, Portugal. 2018