Back to the directory

Home / Zurich Art Fair 2025 / Exhibitor

Theiler Art Gallery

Switzerland

The Theiler Art Gallery is a Swiss gallery that specialises in the promotion of Shona art from Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwean stone sculpture is widely regarded as one of the most significant cultural manifestations of the 20th century. Shaped by the historical and cultural context of Africa, these sculptures possess a timeless and universal significance that transcends their specific historical and cultural context. A considerable proportion of Shona sculptures are distinguished by a name that alludes to a specific theme, encompassing subjects such as ancestor worship, animism, spirituality, village life, family, or politics. In contrast, other artists approach the medium differently, perceiving their work as a dialogue with the stone, a confrontation with its form, hardness and structure.

It is evident that a significant number of Zimbabwean artists, including Sylvester Mumbayi, Joseph Ndandarika, Nicholas Mukomeranwa, and Henry Munyaradzi, are regarded as the most accomplished sculptors on the global stage. Their works are held in prestigious international collections, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Museé Rodin in Paris, and the Völkerkundemuseum in Frankfurt, among others. The acclaim of their work has been further elevated by exhibitions held in Sydney, London, Amsterdam, at the Venice Biennale and the Seville Universal Exposition, among other distinguished venues.

At ART INTERNATIONAL ZURICH Theiler invites visitors to discover Shona Art sculptures, for example from Taylor Nkomo. A native of Bulawayo, the artist received his education in his hometown before moving to Harare to continue his studies. Following his enrolment at the Bulawayo Art School in 1970, he pursued a multifaceted artistic career as a painter, textile designer and printmaker at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe in Harare. In 1977, he initiated experimentation with stone sculpture and subsequently joined the Chapungu Sculpture Park. The artist's creative process is informed by the spirituality of nature and the cultural significance of family relationships within Zimbabwean society. Taylor Nkomo has achieved renown as an artist, having been the recipient of numerous awards for his sculptures and prints.

Theiler Art Gallery presents the following artists at ART INTERNATIONAL ZURICH:
Lovemore Bonjisi, Edward Chiwawa, Beatrice Dauge, Tafadzwa Gwetai, Shingirai Matemera, Nonny Mathe, L. Mukomberanwa, Lloyd Mwarowa, Dumisani Ndlovu

See more of this artist here: Presentation 2024 | Presentation 2023