Sundaymail Editor
Society Reporter
SITTING in a position that might appear precarious to many, the impressive stone sculpture titled “Wise Owl” by Maganiso Vissensio is one of the most dominant pieces on exhibition at the sprawling Talent Village Sculpture Garden.
Carved out of springstone, this work of art captures the imagination of those that regularly visit this sculpture park, which houses more than 3 000 pieces from artists drawn from across the country.
Of the 3 000 pieces, some are on permanent exhibition whilst others are on sale.
Located in the high-density suburb of Mabvuku, the sculpture garden is one of the country’s most active sculpture exhibition parks in the country.
With an estimated value of more than US$14 000, the 10-tonne “Wise Owl” is one of the most highly rated pieces.
An abstract, the gigantic sculpture has unique features and its positioning on a rock gives an impression of the “owl” watching over the sprawling four-hectare park.
Mabvuku has been home to some of the country’s finest sculptors.
Some of the country’s best-known artists that trace their roots to the area include Dominic Benhura, the late John Takawira, Joseph Ndandarika and Dixon Kampambi, among others. Newman Chiadzwa, the chairperson of the sculpture park, chronicled how it came into being.
“For many years, I have been working with the Mabvuku community as a sculptor, curator and collector. I then decided to set up this place so that I can identify and groom talented artists from the local community,” Chiadzwa said.
A number of artists were groomed at this centre, among them Collin Sixpence, Maganiso and Taurai Chimba, among others.
A lot of effort was put into setting up the arts centre.
“When I bought this land, it was a dumpsite. It took us weeks to remove the dirt,” he said.
Apart from being a sculpture garden, the Talent Village also doubles as a functions venue for weddings, picnics, conferences, workshops, school camps and meetings.
Boasting well-manicured lawns, indigenous trees, chalets and conference halls, art lovers admire the pieces of art that are placed in beautiful and scenic environs.
Some of the pieces are located against backdrops of scenic water fountains and fish ponds.
At a time when the arts industry has been hard-hit by the effects of the coronavirus, Chiadzwa said it is “business as usual” at the arts centre.
“The economic environment that we are operating under has negatively affected the arts industry, especially sculptors.
“For us to stay afloat, we devised some marketing strategies, opened new markets and we quickly adjusted.
“As we speak, we are in the process of shipping a container laden with art pieces to Turkey.”
Hidden among the trees and the imposing precast wall, the Talent Village Sculpture Garden’s uniqueness often surprises those that visit it for the first time.
Online Reporter