Zimbabwe (known formerly as Rhodesia), located in south central Africa, is famous for wild animals, great natural beauty, and the magnificent Victoria Falls. Declared a colony by Britain in 1923, it became an ‘independent republic’ in 1970, after declaring UDI from Britain in 1965. The native African people achieved independence in 1980 and named their nation Zimbabwe, which means “House of Stone”, perhaps because of the Great Zimbabwe Ruins. Since Independence, stone sculpture in Zimbabwe has been the most important, visible, and internationally recognized aspect of a lively visual arts scene.

Stone sculpture began to emerge as a contemporary art form about 50 years ago through the work of Joram Maringa, a humble Shona Agricultural Conservation officer. Sometimes known as Shona sculpture, many suggest that these works should rather be called Zimbabwe Stone Sculpture. About 80% of the sculptors are Shona, indigenous to Zimbabwe, but others are from Malawi and Angola.

Like Alice, in “Through the Looking Glass”, who found the world a different place, looking at these huge African statues might seem strange at first.  The sculptures are mostly huge, the themes seemingly improbable or ugly by non-African standards. Why is this body so twisted, this face so grimaced, this person transforming into a rhino?

But, it’s just a different way of looking at life, another way of viewing and showing this world we live in. It’s life from an African perspective, especially from a Zimbabwe perspective, where life for the ordinary people is extremely hard, and has been difficult for many years.  The themes and names of these statues reflect the reality of life in Zimbabwe today, where too many are dying of AIDS, and therefore where there are far too many orphans; where poverty and starvation are rampant; where education is beyond most people’s means. But, it’s also a place where family and community are very important, where strength can be gained from a belief in various higher beings, including mythical ones like Chapungu, the Bateleur eagle, who is a good omen for the Shona tribe, bringing protection and good fortune.

I’ve visited Chapungu Sculpture Park in Harare, Zimbabwe, 3 times, and I’ve seen 3 of the USA exhibitions---in St Louis in 2001 and 2007, and in Columbus, Ohio, in 2005. In the USA, two were in summer and one in winter, so in totally different weather experiences and settings. But, these sculptures can fit into any setting: In summer, they stride through the water in the pond, stand up amongst the lilies, and are framed by green grass and leafy trees.  In winter, they are draped with snow, or are snuggled in among orchids and other hot-house plants in a conservatory.

So, these sculptures are adaptable and the themes have a universal appeal, even though the execution is different; for example, the deer changing into a butterfly to escape destruction; getting protection, help and advice from the eagle; advocating family unity; mourning loss of life from disease.

HARARE TODAY

Sadly, Roy Guthrie (the Director) told me (in St Louis in 2007) that Chapungu Sculpture Park in Harare is still functioning, but only just. There’s a small staff, very few tourists come, but Chapungu can still do these kinds of exhibitions, and can still sell some pieces overseas. They cannot offer the on-sight apprentice program any more, but the sculptors get a chance to be Artists in Residence at the overseas exhibitions, like here in St Louis. Chapungu now has an American branch, based in Loveland, CO. It was opened in 2007, also by Guthrie.

NEXT

Chapungu has had many successful exhibitions in the USA, even though mounting them is becoming more and more expensive. After St Louis they will move to Denver again. At their permanent park in Colorado there are park visits, beginning in the spring of each year. Check their excellent web site here.

Roy Guthrie

African Art Promotions, (dba Chapungu Sculpture Park), 1052 N. Boise, Loveland, CO 80537, 970-744-9572.

www.chapungusculpturepark.com (a very nice site)

contact at info@chapungusculpturepark.com

For articles on these visits and exhibitions, click on the links in the navigation bar above.

Besides the links above, you can also see the original published article on the 2007 Exhibition--- click here to see the exhibit in St Louis 2007

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