Obert Jongwe’s work reflects a deep engagement with the evolving tensions between tradition and modernity, rural landscapes and urban influences, memory and transformation. Born in 1980 in Mt Darwin, Northern Zimbabwe, he discovered his passion for art through early school assignments and soon recognized painting as his true calling. His initial works, rich in vibrant colors and bold forms, depicted the native scenes of Zimbabwe and Southern Africa, quickly finding their way into homes and collections.

A pivotal shift in his artistic approach occurred after a year-long sabbatical in 2013, leading to a more layered exploration of identity, place, and change. His compositions now navigate the complexities of a world where traditional and rural influences exist in tension with modern, Western surroundings. His distinctive scratched finish—applied with an almost instinctive precision, sometimes with closed eyes—has become a signature element of his work, emphasizing the energy field or aura of each subject.

Since joining Rossouw Modern in 2004, Jongwe’s work has been exhibited in major galleries across Africa, including the Zimbabwe National Gallery, and has been acquired by collectors of contemporary art. In 2023, a five-month journey through the United States profoundly influenced his compositions, expanding his perspective and deepening the narrative layers within his work. He is now also represented by Dragonfire Gallery on the Oregon coast.

At his first interview with Rossouw Modern in 2004, when asked why he became an artist, Jongwe simply responded: “What I see and feel is art, so I paint.” This sentiment continues to define his approach—capturing the visible and unseen forces that shape the world around him.