Joseph Muzondo, born in 1953 in Masvingo, Zimbabwe, is a distinguished artist known for his exceptional woodcut prints, alongside his work in sculpture, painting, drawing, and textile design. A self-taught artist, Muzondo began his artistic journey under the guidance of his uncle in stone carving, later refining his skills at the National Gallery’s B.A.T. Workshop in Harare. His education took him beyond Zimbabwe, with studies in textile design in Tanzania and graphic arts in Austria, enriching his approach to art.
Muzondo’s woodcut prints reflect his powerful, emotive commentary on social and political issues. The woodcut process—carving a design into a woodblock, inking the raised areas, and transferring the image onto paper—aligns with his expressive and bold artistic style. His work is characterized by high-contrast, dramatic imagery, often exploring themes of struggle, identity, and social change, while maintaining a strong connection to his Zimbabwean roots. Muzondo's prints, along with his sculptures and other artworks, have been exhibited worldwide, from the United Kingdom to Australia. Muzondo’s legacy is not only defined by his art but also by his role as a freedom fighter during Zimbabwe’s war of independence. His work continues to resonate, offering both a visual and emotional commentary on the world around him.
