adminThe rest, as they say, is now history.
The movement grew in leaps and bounds to span over 30 years soon after which the impetus of the sculptures began to fade with many of the artists failing to maintain the momentum into the 90s.
The work developed during this early period was widely acknowledged and most artists reached their prime by this time. Most of the artists from this period are no longer with us but their works stand as a glowing witness to their accomplishment and the ability of the works to record and capture in such an imaginary way the traditional belief systems and values of a people.
Several dealers and collectors sprung up over the years and one of them was Roy Guthrie, the owner of Chapungu Sculpture Park.
Unfortunately, his project was affected by the down- turn in the social and global economy and his company liquidated many of the works in the early collection. Late last year this work by the founding group of artists came onto the market.
While speedy dealers and collectors were very quick to pick it up the National Gallery of Zimbabwe was also able to pick up this news and has been campaigning for an intervention that will prevent the works from leaving its country; as reported in The Herald, At the Gallery Column, “Art Collections Define a People”, on February 11, 2013.
The National Gallery of Zimbabwe’s pleas did not fall on deaf ears; the Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe responded to that plea and not only decided to help the Gallery with their support but have in effect rescued the work for the benefit of the Zimbabwe.
MMCZ may seem an unlikely candidate to have interest in the arts within Zimbabwe but upon introspection it is actually a most fitting candidate.
Their core business is minerals and being in a country such as Zimbabwe which is so rich in minerals including the Great Dyke; the material that has been so effectively and successfully value added by stone artists for over 50 years. MMCZ has most generously stepped in to purchase the works for the nation.
This generous contribution of US$250 000 effectively means that the 50 works will form part of the Gallery’s Permanent Collection and will be available to view.
The 50 works represent a profound period of production in the lives of the likes of Joram Mariga, John Takawira, Bernard Takawira, Bernard Matemera, Boira Mteki, Sylvester Mubayi and others still with us.
These works will join the other significant pieces the Gallery owns in its Permanent Collection and together they will form a more complete story of the original creative output from the founding artists of the “Stone Sculpture Movement”.
Over the years the movement has become known simply as the Zimbabwe Stone Sculpture Movement as several early works were created by artists beyond the confines of the Shona or even Zimbabwean limits including artists of surrounding countries who worked within this country.
The works are a powerful insight into the ideas, creativity and intriguing content that emanated from these artists and the country will be richer by having the works remain in the country.
These works have effectively been rescued from being lost to Zimbabwe, a move that would have effectively erased a very important window into the soul of what Zimbabwe is and would have resulted in our children and grandchildren having to travel thousands of kilometres to see and experience them.
The National Gallery of Zimbabwe and indeed the Nation is indebted to the foresight and generosity of MMCZ.
The unveiling of these works will be open for the public to see as of the end of April and thereafter.
Online Reporter