Lionel Mbayiwa

Lionel Mbayiwa (b. 1982, Zimbabwe) is an internationally acclaimed painter who recently participated in the prestigious Schutz Art Museum residency program in Austria. Employing lessons and experiences from his humble beginnings and upbringing in the Zimbabwean countryside, his work centers on the nexus between modern and traditional worlds.

“I grew up in the countryside without a television. All we had were Ngano (folklores, fairy tales, and fables). From them, I could imagine things. My grandmother and mother would tell me, ‘Once upon a time there was a baboon and a hyena…’ We would sit attentively around the fire, listening to the startling stories. I had an imagination of what they were talking about. I could see things happening. There were morals in those stories. Then we had a small radio maybe when I was a bit older.

So, I had my world constructed around these narratives. Apart from the rituals done through the sacrifice of the animals and birds (chicken and pigeons), visiting apostles, and sangomas, animals continue to be used in different ceremonies. This is the relationship I have with animals. It stems from my upbringing. Also coming from a background where the regime in power is very tough on its critics, sometimes I want to talk about leadership in the country in a coded way. If I use real characters I would be haunted, followed up, and harassed. I would rather use animals instead.”

In Zimbabwe, African mythology weaves a vibrant tapestry of stories that reflect the cultural heritage and spiritual beliefs of its people. The mythology of the Shona people, the largest ethnic group in Zimbabwe, is particularly noteworthy for its rich narratives and deep connections to the land.

The concept of ancestor veneration is deeply embedded in Shona mythology. Ancestors are believed to play a vital role in the daily lives of the living, and their spirits are often invoked for guidance and protection. Ancestral spirits are honored through rituals, ceremonies, and the construction of sacred spaces.

Shona mythology is not static; it evolves and adapts to changing social and cultural landscapes. As Zimbabwe undergoes transformations, the preservation of its mythological heritage remains crucial for understanding the deep connections amongst people, land and the spiritual realm. In a rapidly changing world, the narratives of Mwari, Nyaminyami, and the Mhondoro spirits continue to offer a profound insight into the cultural identity and spiritual resilience of the Shona people in Zimbabwe.

Mbayiwa is a profound storyteller and his deft ability to infuse modernity with heritage makes his work some of the most exciting to emerge from contemporary Africa. We are proud to work with this important artist from Zimbabwe.