Mixed media artist mourned

Entertainment Correspondent
ARTS industry in Manicaland was robbed of a versatile and talented sculptor and mixed media artist, Richard James who breathed his last on February 11 after a long illness.

Artists and artistes interviewed by the Weekender described James who was Penhalonga-based environmental watchdog, Green Zimbabwe president, as an inimitable and hard-working artist who played a critical role in the rehabilitation of degraded land in Penhalonga and surrounding areas by introducing tree nurseries and tree-planting initiatives in several schools.

He was 42.

James was a mixed media art guru who mixed various traditionally distinct visual art mediums to come up with pieces of art.

James was an active participant in various editions of Manicaland Show of Arts at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe.

In 2006, he was handed over an award of distinction after he carved a fine piece of art, “Singing Love Song”.

Richards is the 2010 Nama award winner for the outstanding mix media work.

In 2011, James was nominated in the NAMA awards with his famous and unique piece of art “Mini Skirt’. The piece shows a woman with a metal head, legs as well as the feet while the whole body is made of stone.

“He was born an artist. The art industry will never be the same again. James was a veteran artist who was willing to learn as well as impart knowledge to other upcoming artists. He was an environmentalist who tirelessly fought for the protection of our environment. May his soul rest in eternal piece,” said mixed media artist and singer, Henry Tsopotsa.

National Arts Council of Zimbabwe provincial manager, Jonah Muchayi, said a huge void James left will be difficult to fill.

“He was such an exceptional artist. His works can speak for him. He did us proud on several occasions and we hope upcoming artists will emulate his good works,” he said.

James, after finishing his Ordinary level education at Oriel Boys High, started his art expedition as a sculptor and later ventured into mixed, mixing art, mixing stone and wood as well as with metal. He worked with the world’s renowned sculptor, Richard Rosani. In various interviews, James would pay tribute to artist, Rosani for showing him the way in the art industry.