Lionel Mbayiwa
Lionel Mbayiwa, born in 1982, is an artist hailing from the Shona tribe in Zimbabwe. Growing up on his family farm in the Mhondoro, Mabira, Chegutu District, Mbayiwa experienced the strong bond and close-knit community that characterised the rural area. In Shona culture, the connection between the land and the people holds deep significance, as it is not merely seen as a physical space but as an integral part of their identity, history, spirituality, and way of life. Mbayiwa's artwork explores the sacred nature of the land in Shona culture, portraying it as a vessel of spiritual energy and the dwelling place of ancestral spirits. The artist depicts the profound respect that the Shona people have for the land, viewing it as the physical manifestation of the ancestral realm, with their ancestors guiding and protecting them.
Within Mbayiwa's artistic expression, oral storytelling assumes immense importance. It serves as a powerful tool in preserving history, passing down knowledge, and connecting generations within Shona culture. For centuries, the tradition of oral storytelling has played a significant role in shaping the cultural identity of the Shona people. Through stories, myths, legends, and folktales, the Shona community maintains a collective memory of their past, allowing each generation to understand and appreciate their cultural roots.
Mbayiwa's work serves as a bridge between the present and the past, facilitating an understanding and appreciation of cultural heritage. It not only preserves history but also transmits knowledge, strengthens community bonds, and celebrates creativity. By embracing and drawing upon their cultural value systems, individuals can navigate the moral ambiguity and ethical dilemmas prevalent in today's world, making informed choices aligned with their personal values and contributing to the greater good. Mbayiwa's artwork acts as a reminder of the profound impact cultural heritage can have on shaping identity and fostering positive change in society.
Unfortunately, due to economic and political hardships in Zimbabwe, Mbayiwa and his family were compelled to relocate to Cape Town, South Africa. This experience highlights the global issue of immigration, where individuals often face the challenge of preserving their heritage and value systems in a foreign environment. Mbayiwa's work emphasises the importance of embracing one's culture, as it provides a guiding compass in a world where moral ambiguity prevails. By drawing upon their cultural heritage, individuals can find strength, make informed choices, and contribute to a more harmonious society.
Country • Zimbabwe
Medium • mixed media on canvas.
FIRST participation WITH CHRISTOPHER MOLLER GALLERY • 2023
Explore his Work
Previous exhibitions by lionel mbayiwa
2026
Echoes of Home, Group Exhibiton - Christopher Moller Gallery (Cape Town, South Africa)
Investec Cape Town Art Fair - Christopher Moller Gallery (Cape Town, South Africa)
2025
Amila Africa Pan African Exhibition, Group Exhibiton - Christopher Moller Gallery (Cape Town, South Africa)
'Rwendo Rwechokwadi - a Journey of Truth.' Group Exhibition - Christopher Moller Gallery (Cape Town, South Africa)
Art at the Park Art Fair, Group Exhibition - Schütz Gallery (Austria)
2024
TRANSFORMING BOUNDARIES, Group exhibition - Christopher Moller Gallery (Cape Town, South Africa)
Investec Cape Town Art Fair, Group exhibition - Christopher Moller Gallery (Cape Town, South Africa)
‘Promise,’ Group Exhibition, Nando’s Exchange Program - AVA Gallery (Cape Town, South Africa)
AKAA Art Fair - Bonne Esperance Gallery
2023
Artist Residency - Schutz Art Museum, Engelhartszell (Austria)
Kevin Atkinson show, Group exhibition - SMAC Gallery (Cape Town, South Africa)
Takambosvika sei pano? (How did we end up here?), Solo exhibition - Sisonke Gallery
Canvas workshop - Zeitz Mocaa Museum Education Centre organised by Jill Trappler
2022
Grow Up And See, Solo Exhibition - AVA Gallery
Spier art light, Group exhibition - Spier Wine Estate
Polite force project Beightbridge with Dan Halter and Ray Du Toit
2021
Latitudes Art Fair, Group exhibition - Latitudes Online
2020
Group exhibition - Harare Art
2019
Home Away From Home, Solo exhibition - Cape Town Library
2015
Yellow Woods creative block program - Spier Art Trust
2005
YOUNG ARTIST - Gallery Delta (Harare, Zimbabwe)