Isheanesu Dondo

Isheanesu Dondo (b. 1985) is a self-taught Zimbabwean artist whose eclectic and wide-ranging interests include science, astronomy, religion, myth and the esoteric. He left the study of biochemistry to pursue his art career, honing an enigmatic style that moves between figuration, symbolism and abstraction.

Replete with mythical and magical symbols, many of which recur across his works, Dondo’s pen and ink drawings are minimalist, tender and imbued with longing. His influences include the Hermetic Philosophy of ancient Egypt, divination practices in Shona religion (and their link to the use of binary code in computing) and Zimbabwean artists and stone sculptors, including Mukomberanwa, Gutsa, Gwetai and Zvavahera.

Dondo’s current research looks at the residues of Freemason architecture and design in buildings in Zimbabwe, drawing parallels between the esoteric elements of this system and the ancient Shona spiritual and mythological beliefs.

Dondo’s work has been exhibited in group exhibitions in Zimbabwe, South Africa, the Netherlands and the UK. Notably, his work was included in Five Bobh at Zeitz MOCAA (2018-2019). Most recently, Dondo’s work was presented in a two-person show at Latitudes Art Fair, Johannesburg (2023).