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ZimSculpt

Curators of Zimbabwean Sculpture Worldwide

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HIV/Aids, a tribute to all those we’ve lost…

24 November 2004

It’s a strange title to have on a e-commerce sculpture site isn’t it? I don’t think Africa or our country, Zimbabwe can escape from the mortality the HIV/AIDS pandemic is having on most people on a day to day basis. No one is spared. It also effects many of the artists we work with in many different ways, whether caring for relations (many of those children), friends or neighbours and if ‘unlucky’ maybe one day themselves. Its a shocking and extremely saddening situation for the average Zimbabwean today. Most young people are terrified to get into relationships. The situation cannot be swept under the carpet and NOT discussed out loud. Many artists tend to depict their fears and experiences through their works and I often find a mixed response when exhibiting these sculptures titled ‘AIDS VIRUS’ or ‘MY HIV FRIEND’. Some people find them completely offensive and often show emotional disgust. One little girl, once asked me if she would catch AIDS if she touched the sculpture, her grandfather soon corrected her. Although she was little, children often speak out what adults often think! I hope you’re still reading… many artists have passed away through this illness, with them goes their skills and their renowned artistic style, not to mention of course that they were our dear friends and they are sadly missed by everyone. I don’t want to list all the artists that have died through this illness as it wouldn’t be respectful. Therefore please just take a second to comprehend the above and look at these amazing sculptures in a new light…

Filed Under: News

About ZimSculpt

Based in Harare, ZimSculpt is passionate about promoting the work of some of the finest Zimbabwean sculptors. By holding exhibitions around the world and making sculptures available for purchase online, we let you experience some of the finest contemporary stone sculpture.
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Upcoming Exhibition

  • Fort Worth Botanic Garden, Fort Worth , Texas
    15 April – 30 July

Partner with ZimSculpt

ZimSculpt partners with people around the world. Contact us if you are interested in hosting an exhibition or are interested in selling our sculptures.
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Past Exhibitions

  • Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens, USA (2022)
  • Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden, United States (2021 & 2017)
  • Toronto Botanical Garden, Canada (2019 & 2018)
  • Toledo Botanical Garden, United States (2017)
  • Muttart Conservatory, Canada (2015)
  • Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, United States (2014-15)
  • The Royal Botanical Gardens, Canada (2012-13 & 2006-7)
  • Dow Gardens, USA (2013)
  • Naples Botanical Garden, United States (2012-13)
  • Loseley Park, UK (2004-6 & 2011)
  • RHS Chelsea Flower Show, UK (2006-11)
  • Knebworth House, UK (2008-10)
  • Herstmonceux Castle (Queens University), UK (2008-10)
  • Cannizaro Park, UK (2005-7)
  • Ingatestone Hall, UK (2003-5)
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A real treat here in Wimbledon. At Cannizaro Park a superb open-air exhibition of Zimbabwean sculpture. There were many pieces, large and small, and a wide variety of different stone used in imaginative ways. And, overall, a real sense of Africa, linked to a long artistic tradition.

I was told that many of the sculptors had been trained within their own families: a father, an uncle, a grandfather, passing on the old skills.

Catholic Herald
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