The National Gallery of Zimbabwe Presents Dzemudanga: A Family Art Exhibition by Hugh & Lionel Mbayiwa
The National Gallery of Zimbabwe is proud to present Dzemudanga, a powerful art exhibition featuring the works of Zimbabwean artists Hugh Mbayiwa and Lionel Mbayiwa. The title Dzemudanga—similar to the Shona expression makudo demamwe—speaks to kinship, bloodlines, and family ties, themes that run deep through the artists’ lives and creative practices.
This unique Zimbabwean art exhibition brings together two brothers in a visual dialogue exploring what it means to be connected by family, memory, and heritage while expressing individuality through distinct artistic voices.
Two Brothers, Two Artistic Journeys
Although they share a surname, familial bond, and cultural roots, Hugh and Lionel’s approaches to art-making are strikingly different. Their connection is biological, artistic, and cultural. Hugh, a veteran artist trained at the National Gallery School of Visual Arts and Design, mentored Lionel in the early stages of his career. However, Lionel’s style stands apart, reflecting his own creative identity.
Hugh Mbayiwa, a seasoned Zimbabwean artist with decades of experience, is renowned for narrative-driven artworks rich in symbolism, reflecting on society, culture, and history. His works are grounded in lived experiences and community life.
Lionel Mbayiwa, while shaped by the same cultural environment, adopts a more contemporary and experimental style. Based primarily in Cape Town, South Africa, Lionel’s work explores themes of immigration, personal identity, and the otherworldly—evoking atmospheres reminiscent of Terry Pratchett’s imaginative worlds.
A Visual Conversation on Family & Art
Dzemudanga presents their works side by side, revealing similarities, contrasts, and subtle influences between them. This reflects the nature of sibling relationships—marked by closeness, difference, and deep, unspoken understanding. In true Shona tradition, chakafukidza dzimba matenga—family matters remain within the family—yet the public is invited to witness this intimate artistic exchange.
Through this exhibition, Hugh and Lionel offer a rare glimpse into how Zimbabwean family life, shared history, and individual experience can shape artistic development. It invites audiences to reflect on how the past and present meet within a single family and across generations.
Exhibition Details
Title: Dzemudanga – Hugh & Lionel Mbayiwa
Venue: National Gallery of Zimbabwe
Theme Keywords: Zimbabwean art, sibling artists, African contemporary art, cultural heritage, family and art, Hugh Mbayiwa, Lionel Mbayiwa
