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Shadreck Mufandaedza : Arts Reporter
Living with disability did not deter visual artist Shepherd Mahufe from pursuing a successful career as a painter who is recognised in the country and abroad. Mahufe is deaf and dumb, but has managed to make it big on the visual art market with most of his artworks selling in countries such as Germany, UK and USA among other countries.He boasts a gallery that has most of his works at Juru Growth Point in Goromonzi.
In the gallery are several portraits and paintings that tell several stories about the contemporary society.
Mahufe started his career at the age of 10 when he was still at primary school at Emerald Hill.
“This was in me as I started it at a tender age. When I was in Grade 3 at Emerald Hills, I already had some artworks that were appreciated,” he explained in sign language.
Born in a family of seven in Rusike, Goromonzi, drawing and painting portraits made the talented artist to go beyond borders of Zimbabwe.
His works has proved beyond doubt that disability does not mean inability.
Mahufe spends most of his time working with his wife who is also a painter.
“I spend most of my time painting with my wife.
“Some people do not want to associate with deaf people not because they don’t want to, but because they don’t know how to use sign language,” he said.
His experience in painting has seen him travelling to several other countries selling his works.
“I sell my paintings locally and abroad. I went to the United States of America in 1996 with my paintings, in 1999 I went to the United Kingdom and from 2011 to 2013 l was selling in Birkenried in Germany.”
He said he wants to thank God for this talent.
“As a father, I am managing to take care of my family through the works. I want to thank God for this talent as I am living a decent life.”
Mahufe said his dream is to see more disabled people working in various sectors.
“My ambition is to show other disabled people that disability is not inability. We should use our skills, knowledge and talent to develop ourselves as well as our country.”
Besides being an artist, Mahufe is also into sport.
He was a rugby player who used to feature in first team at King George V1 School and also at Prince Edward.
Online Reporter