Madamombe’s legacy lives on

son following his decision to venture into sculpture, taking after his mother, Colleen, a renowned sculptor.
A visit to the young man’s residence revealed that, although he is an upcoming sculptor and still trying to find his identity in the arts industry, Kudakwashe’s artistic flair and finesse in sculpture is already evident.
At the backyard of their house in Hatfield, were a multitude of stonework in the form of animal statues that include tortoise, elephant, frog and goat art works by Kudakwashe.
An interesting aspect of the young man is that his works are totally different from that of his late mother – that embraced femininity. He has, instead, chose to focus on both human beings and wildlife
The visible sculpture of American singer, Fat Joe, is a clear sign of Kudakwashe’s talent.
Another form of art on display is the portrait of another R’n’B singer, Sean Paul, who performed alongside Akon in the country last year.
Kudakwashe decided to shift from his late mother’s art to focus on human figure, as a way of expressing his affection towards the said being.
“If a person inspires me, I will do his or her sculpture,” he said.
Other features of Kuda’s work is the art he named “My Life” in the form of a woman carrying a shopping basket which he said is a tribute to his late mother whose interest was vested in the life of a woman.
However, Kudakwashe bemoaned poor and lack of proper markets for his work.
“The major challenge in the artist’s work is the market base which has dropped due to the belief that talent also fades whenever death occurs,” he said.
The artist also said lack of tools remained another challenge.
“I am appealing to the corporate world to promote my work and enable me to hold some exhibitions, locally and abroad,” he said.
Kudakwashe’s talent in sculpture dates back to 1997 when he worked at Chapungu under the tutelage of his late mother.
After his mother’s death in 2009, Kuda decided to move on with her legacy with the assistance of his brothers, Washington and Lewanika.
His father, Phabian, who works with renowned sculptor Dominic Benhura, also inspires him.