Born in December 1982 in Mashonaland West province of Zimbabwe and educated at Kutama, Cornilius Mako became an artist at an early stage after school under his aunty, one of Zimbabwe’s second genaration artists, one of the most celebrated artists of her generation, Colleen Madamombe.
He is the second eldest in a family of four, two boys and two girls. Under Colleen Madamombe he learned the basics and she encouraged and was the driving force in inspiring him to become a professional artist.
In 2015, Cornilius Mako had a masterpiece he duped “Welcome”. As an artist, the size and shape of the rock determine what sculpture can be carved from it, this piece depicted a woman passionately welcoming her husband who could have spent years in the diaspora working for the family.
From the piece, one could see the mastery of his works. Just a glance at the piece, one would easily tell a story from the emotion, feeling, and posture depicted by this well-carved masterpiece. This creation has meaning with extraordinary spirituality.
Cornilius Mako is a brilliant yet unheralded sculptor who in the year 2000 went solo after the untimely passing of his boss, mentor, and inspiration, Colleen Madamombe. He then worked with the likes of Aaron Kapembeza.
Cony is based in New Tafara, a township close to Harare. He works with another sculptor Pfungwa Dziiki. Most of his sculptures are exhibited and showcased there.