Storkwoman

Today's Featured Sculpture

Storkwoman by Richard Mteki

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ref No: 917

Title: Storkwoman

Sculptor: Richard Mteki

Dimentions: 65x30x22

Weight: 42Kgs

 

Sculptor Information 

 

Born in 1947 in Harare, Richard worked under Canon Paterson and then at the Workshop School of The National Gallery, where his brother Boira Mteki was prominent in the earlier days.

In 1982 one of his pieces was selected as the gift to be presented to the Nigerian head of state by President Mugabe on his official visit to that country. Then in 1984 the Zimbabwean Government selected Richard’s work to be presented to the late Rajiv Gandhi on the opening of the Non Aligned Movement summit in Harare. Again in 1986 Richard was commissioned by the Zimbabwean Government to create a piece for the National Sports Stadium in Harare, a Zimbabwean bird.

Richard’s sculptures are generally peaceful; they do not disturb but rather leave the viewer feeling calm and content. His work is filled with a gentle spiritual presence, usually small and compact - their messages being much larger than their scale. Having been sculpting for over 25 years, Richard is a master of stone carving and the strength and fluidity of his lines constantly bear witness to his experience. Typically classed, Richard is a first generation sculptor drawing on the beliefs of the Shona man for the majority of his subject matter, although he is also inspired by nature occasionally depicting animals in his own distinctive style. The shape of the raw stone is important to Mteki, he chooses to work with the stone rather than impose his will upon it.

A dedicated conservationist and deeply concerned about the plight of the rhino, he participated in the Rhino Watch exhibition in London in 1994 and donated the money from the sale of one of his pieces to a conservation fund. He possesses a strong social conscience and is eager to instruct younger aspiring sculptors in the methods of stone sculpting, just as he was shown as a young man. Richard feels this is necessary as with out proper instruction, there is no future so he always encourages the youngsters to strive for their own style and not simply to imitate others.

Angelic Spirit

Today's Featured Sculpture

Angelic Spirit by Tonderai Mashaya

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ref No: 680

Title: Angelic Spirit

Sculptor: Tonderai Mashaya

Medium: Springstone

Dimentions: 78x36x17

 

Sculptor Information 

 
Tonderai’s favoured subject matter includes human figures, animals, fish, heads and birds but he always won’t forget his Shona spirits. His works are a reflection of his own experiences in life and from the character of the stones he carves. Recognition of his talent has seen his work exhibited at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe in 1997; he then received a certificate of Highly Commended.

Tonderai has already distinguished himself among the young generation of Shona sculptors. Born in April 1977 at Elim Mission Hospital in Nyanga, into a family with seven sculptors. He started carving at a very early age of thirteen and became apprentice to the renowned sculptor Gideon Nyanhongo in 1995. From there he went on to become resident artist with Gallery 2000 towards the end of 1996 and with Chapungu from October 1999 to date.

He also has his work exhibited in England, South Africa, Germany, Netherlands and America.

Flower Abstract

Today's Featured Sculpture

Flower Abstract by Ignatius Zhuwakiyi

 

Ref No: 717

Title: Flower Abstract

Sculptor: Ignatius Zhuwakiyi

Medium: Opaline

Dimentions: 57x42x37

Weight: 38Kgs

Sculptor Information 

Ignatius Zhuwakiyi was born in Harare. He was the fourth born in a family of two boys and two girls. He is now married and has one son.

Ignatius grew up in St. Mary’s Township and went to school at Zengeza Primary School. He did his secondary education at Zengeza Two High Secondary School, but left when he reached the second form.

He started carving when he met Locardia Ndandarika at her home. He used to help her at every possible opportunity and especially at the weekends.

In 1989 at Chapungu he met other artists, and with the encouragement and guidance from them, Ignatius learnt a few tricks and tactics required when creating sculpture. Amongst these artists were Godfrey Manchinjili, Vitalis Muchenje and Axilia Tatisa.

In 1990, a group exhibition was organised called The Young Generation at the John Boeing Galleries. Ignatius exhibited some of his works and was rewarded with a B.A.T. Certificate as a result thereof.

Ignatius Zhuwakiyi is now a full time artist and enjoys sculpting torsos.

During his spare time he likes to listen to the radio, reading and going to church. He also enjoys visiting the other well-known artists like Ndandarika and Ronnie Dongo where they share their ideas of art.