Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
DOMINIC Benhura believes piracy has dealt a heavy blow to Zimbabwe’s stone sculpture industry, blaming a new generation of artists for lacking originality and relying on imitation.
The 58-year-old, who has toured extensively around the world, said the sector is in dire straits, with copycat artists undermining creativity and damaging the industry’s reputation.
The acclaimed sculptor opened up ahead of the 58th International Committee for Museums and Collections of Modern Art (CIMAM) Annual Conference, which will be held in Zimbabwe later this year.
Scheduled for November 20 to 22 in Harare, the conference will bring together at least 300 museum directors, curators and art professionals from around the world.
The landmark gathering is expected to provide a rare platform for Zimbabwean painters, sculptors, printmakers and mixed-media artists to engage with leading figures in the international art world.
“At the moment, we are working hard to address the issue of piracy, where some individuals are producing imitations instead of authentic artwork.
“This has become a major challenge, and we have taken several cases to court.
“We want this issue to be addressed for the growth and sustainability of the sector.
“It has always been my wish to see artists thrive through original work.
“As one of the advocates of authenticity, I will continue pushing for genuine artistic expression,” Benhura told Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub. Benhura, one of Zimbabwe’s most celebrated stone sculptors, welcomed the conference, saying it would elevate the country’s creative industry and expose local talent to a global audience.
“I welcome the conference as a great opportunity for us to market our work, and I am delighted that the delegation will also tour our facility in Greendale, Harare,” he said.
“At Dominic Studios in Greendale, we have nurtured many artists over the years, and it will be encouraging for the delegates to appreciate the work we are doing.
“We are grateful that the National Gallery of Zimbabwe has managed to bring such a significant event to Zimbabwe, where leading minds will deliberate on key issues affecting the visual arts sector.
“For us, interacting with global art collectors, museum directors and curators is a major achievement in itself.”
Benhura, who has exhibited extensively abroad, said the conference would also inspire and empower the young sculptors he mentors at his studio.
“I conduct classes at my studios in Greendale and currently work with 10 resident artists.
“We are committed to nurturing a new generation of sculptors who are passionate about the profession and preserving Zimbabwe’s rich sculptural heritage.”
Benhura urged local visual artists to make the most of the conference by learning from internationally renowned museum professionals.
“This is the best opportunity for serious artists in Zimbabwe to showcase their talent and learn from the best.
“There may be challenges such as piracy in stone sculpture, but the industry will never die.
“Authentic artists will always stand out, while those who copy others will not go far.
“I hope local artists will learn from the visiting museum directors and curators that authentic work is what truly commands value.”
Zimbabwe secured the right to host the 58th CIMAM Annual Conference last year in Barcelona, Spain, during an event held at the residence of renowned art collector Han Nefkens, founder of the Han Nefkens Foundation.
The gathering was attended by CIMAM president and Museum M+ director Suhanya Raffel, National Gallery of Zimbabwe executive director Raphael Chikukwa, Patrizia Sandretto Re Rebaudengo, president of the Fondazione Sandretto Re Rebaudengo and co-host of the 2025 conference in Turin, as well as Elvira Dyangani Ose.
