New sculpture gallery opens in Harare

Arts Correspondent
A new gallery specialising in stone sculpture has opened in Harare. The Shona Sculpture Gallery is at 20 Airport Road, Harare and opens seven days a week. On display are works by the best of the contemporary sculptors, including numerous NAMA winners and finalists, alongside authentic works by some of the ‘old masters’ who made Zimbabweworld-renowned for sculpture. These exceptional sculptures are exhibited in a stunning garden setting, an oasis of beauty and tranquillity that all visitors will adore. A shady Spanish-style verandah doubles as a gallery for smaller works, also of the highest quality. Founded by world experts in the ‘Shona Sculpture’ movement, together the directors have over sixty years’ experience in this niche artistic style. This is reflected in the quality of the works on display, and genuine art collectors now have somewhere exciting to visit in Harare — something that has been lacking since the closure of Chapungu and Matombo galleries.

“The opening of the Shona Sculpture Gallery is the culmination of years of planning and hard work and we are so excited to be spearheading the renaissance of this wonderful art movement. After nearly two decades of working with talented Zimbabwean sculptors, it’s really a dream come true to now have a physical gallery in Harare, home of the ‘Shona Sculpture’ movement,” said director of the gallery Emma Haire.

“This is really vital for future of the Shona sculpture movement. It’s so important for Zimbabwe’s most talented artists, both young and old, to have a dedicated venue where their works can be seen by local and international collectors. We are committed to promoting the very finest sculpture that Zimbabwe has to offer, showing genuine and original works that will wow visitors and put Zimbabwean sculpture back on the international map.

“As an artist myself, and exposed to the majority of artists in Zimbabwe, this brings the Shona Sculpture Gallery nearer to the art community. We have the best of the best because the artists we work with will become part of the system,” said sculptor Morgan Tazvitya.

The superb location on Airport Road means that locals and foreign visitors alike can easily find and enjoy the gallery, which is a real asset to Hatfield district. Early visitors have loved the experience that Shona Sculpture Gallery has to offer: with friendly and knowledgeable staff, secure off-road parking, and shipping arranged, customers are guaranteed a first class experience.