In Zimbabwe, hunhu is a cultural belief system that instructs us to embrace our neighbours, honour our elders and respect each other’s rights. Also known as ubuntu, it’s a way of being that resonates with southern Africa’s interconnected but diverse communities, where generational wisdom and values are passed from elders to the young.
Hunhu is a central idea in the latest solo show by prominent young artist Option Dzikamai Nyahunzvi on at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe. Called Zvatiri (Who We Are), the exhibition is an appeal to Zimbabweans to reclaim their culture and values.
His main focus has always been Shona identity. Shona is a collective term for several related clans in the country. Nyahunzvi, born in 1992, has also always explored issues of identity, origins and belonging in his multidisciplinary work.
