Murmures

Despite mixed fortunes in the sector, sculpture remains a prominent representation of local arts internationally and various stone carvings stand in many galleries in the world representing our arts heritage.Since the first generation of sculptors that attracted international attention, sculpture has been able to penetrate the international market in a big way and sculptors like Nicholas Mukomberanwa, Victor Fire, Dominic Benhura, Boira Mteki, Richard Mteki, Bryn Mteki, Coleen Madamombe, Agnes Nyanhongo, Mambakwedza Mutasa and Tapfuma Gutsa have represented the country in many ways internationally.

Their sculptures that were carved along many themes have documented our culture and history physically over the past years.

Besides mbira music, sculpture has made a serious impact internationally as a representation of local arts and collectors across the world envy the creativity of Zimbabwean stone carvers.

When Tom Blomefield realised the expertise in local sculptors and established Tengenenge Arts Village in Guruve, he linked local sculptors with the world and many artists from his centre made it internationally.

In the same way, Roy Guthrie worked with many talented stone carvers at Chapungu Sculpture Park and proved to the world that Zimbabwe has unique expertise with stones, hammers and chisels.

Sculpture has represented our culture and artistic prowess internationally for many years.

When the country got independence in 1980, many artists became interested in sculpture and many other galleries sprouted across the country.

Experienced sculptors like the late Amali Malola, who died at the age of 102 recently, kept pursuing their art and inspired young generations.

The passion to showcase creativity kept growing and many sculptors took up the art after independence.

Although the art mainly ran in families, more and more young artistes from various backgrounds became interested in sculpture after independence.

As we celebrate our Independence on April 18, many sculptors of various generations will be interpreting our history and culture through their pieces.

Benhura said he is glad that the sculpture industry has rapidly grown since Independence despite many challenges that the sculpture and tourism industry face due to the demonisation of the country by the West.

“I am happy to be one of the sculptors who took up the art after Independence in 1980. I began sculpting when I was 12 years old and we have shown the world that Zimbabwe is endowed with massive talent,” said Benhura.

“Our pieces stand in many galleries across the world and Zimbabwe is known for its sculpture expertise. The young generation is interested in showing the world that we have the talent. Zimbabwean sculptures are on demand worldwide and young artistes are inspired to show the world that our creativity will go for generations.

“There are young sculptors at my gallery that are eager to keep the talent going. They are eager to show their creativity and I am convinced that sculpture will live forever.

We are unique in this art and collectors across the world have seen that our expertise is not limited to a certain generation.

The young ones are coming up with their good pieces and we know that we will remain the best sculptors in the world. I encourage the young artists to keep going. Nothing will stop us in independent Zimbabwe and we should engage other markets and exhibit our talent.”