Nyoni’s artistic development was ignited by the work of artists engaged in the struggle against apartheid and colonial oppression in Zimbabwe and South Africa. In his work he balances on the intersection of artist and design, activism and artistry and commercial work. His work is both provocative and commercial, with creations that inspire and disturb. In his works he demonstrates the urgency of an African perspective on current issues and appeals to current movements such as Black Lives Matter, MeToo and the fight against the climate crisis. Nyoni fits into a tradition of designers who have a relationship with current issues and activism. His work ties in with the urgency of telling stories and displaying images from different cultural perspectives that also put Afrovibes at the forefront of the programming.

His work shows a desire for equality and fidelity to the original ideals of the African struggle for independence. It visualizes an anger at colonial disruption as well as postcolonial abuse of power and self-enrichment. Several of Nyoni’s works also contain traces of Afrofuturism. Remarkable is the great interest of (international) brands in working with Nyoni. It is an expression of the tendency to show social responsibility and to align with strong activist sentiments in society.

Nyoni’s work has been shown in New York, London, Berlin, The Vitra Design Museum, Guggenheim Bilbao Museum, and Museum of Modern Art in Mexico City, among others. As a graphic designer he designed for brands such as Hennesy, Caltex, Penguin Random House and Stella Artois. In South Africa he designed the new South African coin.

At Afrovibes the exhibition of Nyoni’s work can be seen in Frascati Theater in Amsterdam from 5 – 9 October and in De Balie Amsterdam from 1 – 30 October. In Frascati the official opening of the exhibition is on 5 October with a conversation with the artist. On 14 October, theater De Balie will host a talk show by Afrovibes and ZAM Magazine with Sindiso Nyoni about the combination of socially critical art, activism and engagement and commercial work for large companies.

More information on Sindiso Nyoni:

 www.studioriot.com