BY TENDAI SAUTA
LOCAL sculptor Douglas Makwarimba has brought life to stone carving on the subject of COVID-19 pandemic that has ravaged the world.
Makwarimba, who works from Chitungwiza Arts Centre, has carved two pieces that reflect a deep sense of awareness on the disease’s history, treatment and prevention measures.
The pieces reflect the commonly communicated messages to prevent the spread of the respiratory virus of masking up, social distancing, getting vaccinated, seeking early treatment and good hygiene practices.
Driven by the motive to maintain a good family relationship, Makwarimba’s, carvings portray conversations on social distance, vaccine and affection between mother and child above all raising more awareness on the need to remain vigilant.
“My carvings on masked pieces of a mother and child were meant to serve as a constant reminder to keep good health practices so as to curb the spread of coronavirus,” he said.
“I emulate several household names at Chitungwiza Arts Centre who have exhibited at both local and international expos. I really admire my early days when I spent time learning from several assignments given at the centre.”
The artist said he could not partake at the ongoing COVID-19 exhibition dubbed Artspiration, under the theme Masked at the National Art Gallery of Zimbabwe in Harare due to age restrictions.
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“The exhibition came way later after I had carved the first mother and child piece last year on November 17. The second piece I carved last week shows a masked woman getting a vaccine and that is portraying the timeline of the crisis,” he said.
Makwarimba, who has toured neighbouring countries such as Mozambique and Zambia for exhibitions, said he wished to bag awards in the future.
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