Gedion was born in Zimbabwe, Africa where he learned and practiced his craft, Shona Stone Sculpture. He was taught by his father, Claud Nyanhongo, an original member of the Shona Stone Sculpture Movement of Zimbabwe, that was founded in the 1960’s.
In his deceptively simple and flowing work, one can gain a real insight into his heritage, the Shona people of Zimbabwe, Africa and its rich culture. Creating unique, hand carved stone sculpture and sharing it with the world is his great passion.
His sculptures in hard and enduring Opal Stone, Spring Stone and Zimbabwe (Nyanga) Stone will outlive political regimes that threaten community, family and individual rights and values. He uses traditional carving techniques used for generations by the Shona people of Zimbabwe.
Gedion exclusively using indigenous stone mined in Zimbabwe – such as serpentine, spring stone, opal, lepidolite and verdite, which he import to the United States. Carving, chiseling and honing each sculpture over many, many hours completely by hand, using traditional tools and only by himself.
Over the years Gedion has become even more discerning in creating sculptures that move the Movement forward into the 21st century, whilst maintaining a bridge reaching back to the rich stories and culture of his ancestors.
His debut exhibition was in 1989 at the Mabwe Gallery in Harare, Zimbabwe. He has since exhibited his works in solo and group exhibitions at numerous venues around the world, including: England, France, Germany, Holland, Hong Kong, South Africa, U.S.A, and Zimbabwe.
Two of his works are featured in collections on permanent display at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, and a life size Zebra sculpture at the Phoenix Zoo.
Presently, many of Gedion’s sculptures have been chosen to be displayed at many Sculpture Walks/Tours and Gardens around the USA, such as The Liz Archuleta Multicultural Sculpture Park Exhibition in Flagstaff, Arizona 2024-2025, the Sioux Falls 2022-2025 Sculpture Walks in South Dakota and at the well-known Tucson, Arizona Jewish Community Center Sculpture Garden from 2021 to present and The Midwest Sculpture Initiative 2024/25 to name a few.
His sculpture, “The Modeler” was recently awarded Best Sculpture in Show at the 2022/2023 Moab Art Trails Sculpture Exhibition in Moab, Utah. His sculpture “ Motherly Love” was awarded People’s Choice and was purchased for permanent display at the 2023/24 St Joseph’s Sculpture Walk in St Joseph Missouri.
His piece “Song of Protectedness” was chosen by the US National Sculpture Society to be displayed at their 90th Annual Awards Exhibition at the Brookgreen Sculpture Garden in South Carolina, 2023/2024.
Each year Gedion participates at many prestigious weekend Art Festivals/Shows throughout the US, where he has been awarded numerous Best of Show or Best of Sculpture awards.
Professional Affiliations: Gedion is a member of the National Sculpture Society, New York, NY USA.
Gedion lives in Fostoria, Ohio and Phoenix, Arizona, where he has studios in both states.
Sculptures in High Profile Collections Include:
Pacific Place, Hong Kong
Chapungu Sculpture Parks, Harare, Zimbabwe & Loveland, Colorado USA
Contemporary Fine Art Gallery, Eton , England
Council of Ferundensadt, Germany
L’Espace Nord-Sud, Gergovia, France
National Gallery, Harare, Zimbabwe
Westfallen Park, Dortmund, Germany
Frankfurt City Council, Germany
Clint Eastwood, Carmel, California, USA
Muhammad Ali Collection, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
Former German Ambassador, Dr. William Killian
Atkinson Gallery, CRMA Fine Arts, USA
The Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, USA
The Phoenix Zoo, Phoenix, AZ
Contact Information
480-255-4184
gedionnyanhongo@gmail.com
www.gediongalleries.com
Instagram: gedionnyanhongo
