Sky’s the limit for young sculptor

Kumbirayi Shoniwa Entertainment Reporter
PrEvelege Garadi is a talented sculptor from Mabvuku who believes that if young local artists are given enough financial support they can conquer the world. He creates intriguing pieces of art with amazing maturity. In a sector dominated by stone-carvers well above their 40s, nurtured by first generation sculptors, the 27-year-old artist’s hand speaks volumes of his potential.

Garadi began his career in 2005 while still in high school after gaining interest from observing his elder brothers who were also sculptors.

His works have catchy titles which relate perfectly to the artistic outcome of his chisel and hammer.

Using spring stone, green opal and verdite stone, Garadi has created images that tell stories about wildlife and social issues.

However, the artist bemoans the lack of support from promoters and local art buyers saying that people only appreciate artists when they get recognition from international critics and buyers.

He also highlighted a copyright problem in the sculpture industry and accused some established artists of using their “big names” to exploit young sculptors.

“As a young upcoming artists we face copyright problems after some established sculptors copy our concepts and claim they originated them.

“We cannot confront them either because they are the ‘untouchables of the industry’ or due to lack of funds to
pursue legal channels,” he said.

Garadi has held a few exhibitions including Tapfuma Gutsa’s “Mulonga” (2012) and the Buddies Annual Festival of Arts (2009) sponsored by Patsime Trust.

He has also exhibited at Harare International Festival of the Arts (2005, 2006
and 2008), the Ethno Design Project in 2008 and the Sanganai World Travel Expo (2010).

On Friday the sculptor is set to hold an auction of his works which will be officially opened by European Union ambassador to Zimbabwe, Aldo Del Ariccia.

Garadi aims to scale the same heights as Dominic Benhura, Tapfuma Gutsa and Nicholas Mukombe-ranwa who achieved international recognition for their artistic masterpieces in stone works.