Richard Chakwazira transforms traditional portraiture into vibrant cultural celebrations, where meticulously detailed figures emerge from kaleidoscopic geometric backgrounds.

Born in Harare, Zimbabwe, he studied fine art at the National Art Gallery of Zimbabwe in 1992 before discovering his passion for wildlife during travels through the country's national parks.

Since relocating to South Africa in 2013 and teaching at Durban's BAT Centre, Richard has developed a distinctive style that marries photorealistic detail with bold abstract patterns.

His mixed media works capture the dignity and beauty of African subjects against explosive triangular mosaics of color, while his hyperrealistic drawings and portrait commissions showcase his exceptional technical mastery and meticulous attention to detail.