THE ARTISTS

THE HISTORICAL CONTEXT of the modern stone sculpting movement in Zimbabwe has been the subject of many excellent books, and is covered briefly in our description of the Stone Sculpture Movement. During the mid to late 1950's, the 'first generation' of modern sculptors established a place for their art on the world stage. Amongst the founders are artists such as Joram Mariga, Boira Mteki, John & Bernard Takawira, Henry Munyaradzi, Sylvester Mubayi, Joseph Ndanderika, Nicholas Mukomberanwa, Josia Manzi, Wazi Maricolo, Chrispen Duve, Claud Nyanhongo, Fanizani Akuda, as well as many others.

By the early 1980s, apprentices to the founders created another wave of artists, some with strikingly new approaches, and are often referred to as the second generation of Zimbabwean stone sculptors. The stature of the art form was well established by this time, so that by 1985 John Sheppard of the London Sunday Times could write that at any one time, 5 out of the top 10 stone sculptors in the world could be found working in Zimbabwe. The second generation includes well known names - Dominic Benhura, Joseph Muzoda, Gedion Nyanhongo, Richard Mteki, Joe Mutasa, Agnes Nyanhongo and Colleen Madamombe to list a few.
A Stone Carver Working
Photo: A Stone Carver Working


Today there are literally thousands of sculptors, many of whom are the third or fourth generation in established sculpting families. The following is a list of artists Ukama Arts has represented in our collection as well as a few who have played a significant role in the development of Zimbabwean sculpture. We have collected over 100 biographies and/or photos although unfortunately, many are still unavailable at this time. Biographies are just part of our ongoing efforts to promote the artists themselves, as well as their work - to let you know a little about them and their lives. The collection of information is an ongoing endevour - both to obtain as well as to keep up-to-date including informtion about their recent exhibitions and for many, the international awards received.

To see if an artist has an available biography, click on the artist's name.