LOCAL visual artists received a major boost following the opening of a new home for them, The Shona Sculpture Gallery along Airport Road in Harare, specialising in Zimbabwe’s world-famous Shona pieces.
BY WINSTONE ANTONIO
The opening of the gallery, founded by Morgan Tazvitya and Emma Haire, comes as a positive development for Zimbabwe’s stone sculpture industry, which has experienced heavy knocks in recent years characterised by the closure of some of the once-famous Chapungu and Matombo galleries.
In separate interviews, the gallery directors, who have a combined 60 years of experience in this niche artistic style, said the opening of the gallery was a result of planning and hard work, proving how they were committed to promote the finest sculpture Zimbabwe has to offer.
“After nearly two decades of working with talented Zimbabwean sculptors, it is really a dream come true to now have a physical gallery in Harare, home of the Shona sculpture movement and we are so excited to be spearheading the renaissance of this wonderful art movement,” Haire said.
“This is really vital for the future of the Shona sculpture movement, which is important for Zimbabwe’s most talented artists both young and old to have a dedicated venue, where their works can be seen by both local and international collectors.”
Tazvitya said the location of the gallery was strategic and made its artefacts visible to both locals and foreign visitors.
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“The Shona Sculpture Gallery is a significant development brought nearer to the art community.
Early visitors loved the experience that The Shona Sculpture gallery has to offer. With friendly and knowledgeable staff, secure off-road parking, and packing and shipping arranged, customers are guaranteed a first-class experience,” he said.
On display at the gallery are works by some of the best contemporary sculptors, among them National Arts Merit Awards (Nama) winners like Onias Mupumha, Rufaro Murenza and Boet Nyariri and finalists, Ishmael Chitiyo and Peter Gwisa.
Other renowned sculptors whose works are on show include Henry Munyaradzi, John Takawira, Nicholas Mukomberanwa and Joseph Ndandarika.
Their special sculptures are exhibited in an exquisite garden setting with a shady Spanish-style veranda that doubles as a gallery for smaller works, also of the highest quality that all visitors will admire.
