Vanessa Hounsell

I am a Zimbabwe-based artist, art therapist, trauma-informed psychotherapist and writer whose work forms part of a lifelong inquiry into healing across body, mind and soul. Through psychologically charged, archetypal imagery, my paintings explore themes of flight, transcendence, dissociation, shadow integration and spiritual seeking, drawing on global mythologies and Jungian depth psychology to reveal the dynamic relationship between the inner and outer worlds. Figures that soar, invoke rain, befriend or confront the shadow become metaphors for survival, fragmentation and the gradual process toward wholeness, integration and individuation. These works function not only as visual narratives but as therapeutic landscapes, reflecting a clinical understanding of trauma, resilience and repair. Together, my practice consolidates my roles as healer and maker, positioning art as both witness and vessel in the human search for meaning, connection and transformation.

2021-2023: MSc Psychology, Liverpool John Moores University (UK).
2016-2019: Diploma Art Therapy, Centre for Educational and Clinical Art Therapy (Sydney, Australia)
2020: Diploma Cognitive Behavioural Therapy & Counselling, Glasgow University (UK)
1988-1990: Bachelor of Arts, University of Cape Town, (RSA)
1986-1987: Bachelor of Architectural Studies, University of Cape Town, (RSA)

I began my professional art career in London, working under the mentorship of the Prince’s Trust for Young Artists in Clerkenwell. This period culminated in Art in Hospitals, an exhibition at St. Bartholomew’s Hospital, London, and was followed by a series of group and solo exhibitions across the city, including participation in the London Art Fair. During this time, I was also invited to submit work to the Mall Galleries, London.

After relocating to Zimbabwe in 2004, my practice expanded into a rich and sustained exhibition history. I have since participated in numerous group exhibitions, including group shows at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe in Harare, Paintings & Pimms, Harare International School, the British Embassy in Harare, and the Wild Geese Art Fairs, amongst numerous others. Alongside these, I have held six solo exhibitions at leading local galleries, including The Luckybean Gallery, The Corridor Gallery, Amanzi Showcase, Kumba Showcase, and The Arthouse.