adminTawanda Marwizi Arts Correspondent
Winning the Outstanding Mixed Media Award at last year’s edition of the National Arts Merit Awards (NAMA) was enough to keep the spirit of sculptor Rizimu Chiwawa high.
Chiwawa, who is concerned about the welfare of women in society said he is determined to work hard to make sure stone sculpture grows in the country.
He said artistes are mirrors of the society and there is need for them to put various aspects of life on the map.
“Most of my artwork address issues that affect women. Women were created in a special way and they have to be respected,” he said in a recent interview.
For example, in “Waiting for You” the artist depicts the hope and despair that women go through as part of their everyday lives.
“In that piece you can see the pillar with a woman resting on it waiting for her husband to come home,” he said.
Born in Guruve, the sculptor did his primary and secondary in Mvurwi where he started his career as a painter.
For him painting did not meet the creative gap inside him. He turned back to his roots as he got his inspiration from his father and renowned sculptor Edward Chiwawa.
He joined the famed Tengenenge Arts Centre in Guruve before moving on to Chitungwiza Arts Centre in 2014.
“A lot has come my way since I joined Chitungwiza Arts Centre including this recent award,” he said.
Chiwawa got his inspiration from sculptors such as Bernard Matemera, Sylvester Mubayi, Henry Mukarobgwa, Thomas Mukarobgwa, Henry Munyaradzi, Joram Mariga, Joseph Ndandarika, Bernard Takawira and his brother John are some of the sculptors that made names on the international scene. He mixes stone with bones and scrap metal to come up with his works of art. For him sculpting is one of the best forms of art that needed respect and moral support.
“We need to be supported and get endorsement deals just like what is done in music. If we get the support we are determined to lift the flag of the country high,” he said.
Online Reporter