I was born on the 8th of January 1976 in
Chiota, Communal Lands, Marondera. I did part of my primary education in the
rural areas before moving to the capital where I continued with my education up
to ‘O’ Level, this was at Zengeza 3 High School. After that I studied Travel
and Tourism, culminating in my attaining a certificate in 1999 and later on a
Diploma in the same discipline with Institute of Commercial Management. I also have a certificate in Art and Design with the National Gallery of Zimbabwe. I would say that the moment when I moved
from the rural areas to the urban area was the turning point- this is so because
during that early age I used to watch Sylvester Mubayi doing his sculpting
whilst at the same time trying my hand using chip offs. Though I did not
produce works of a good quality, I knew that with such a beginning I would one
day be able to make very creative pieces. With neither laid down rules nor guidelines
except for my own highly personal ambitions I set out to produce sculpture
that, not only evokes, but also provides greater stimulation and interest to
the audience. Often we talk about the old Shona customs and traditions, which
have helped our people to live happily for centuries – in my sculptures I try
to translate emotion, beauty and substance into a coherent provocative form. My
aspiration is to create images that transcend the mundane to reveal dignity and
elegance that might otherwise remain unseen.
I look up to people like Eddie Masaya, a
second-generation sculptor, whose vibrancy and creative capacity make me aspire
to greater creative heights. I am also inspired when I look at the work of my
brother George, who often puts salient academic applications to every piece he
does. I am so grateful to all those who helped me, and in particular, my
wonderful father, Sylvester who- more than anyone- trained my eyes to see movement
and hear the sounds not audible to most people.
My works have been exhibited worldwide and
most notably in: The United States of America, United Kingdom, Germany and
The Netherlands.
EXHIBITIONS
Retrospective Zeist Holland 2001(Chapungu
Sculptures/Gallery Sonda)
Anders In Beeld(Touch of Tenderness)
Kasteel Keukenhof, Holland 2003(Gallery Sonda)
Artist In Residence Oud-Poelgeest, Holland
2004 (Gallery Sonda)
Het
Slot Zeist, Holland, 2004(Gallery Sonda)
Artist in Residence Overvan Health Center Holland
Kalmtout Belgium 2005
Group Exhibition Kalmtout Belgium 2006
Group Exhibition Germany Wernsbach (Into
Africa
Skulpturengalerie 2006, 2007, 2008)
