Tutani Mugavazi
Zimbabwean Sculptor

Born on March 3, 1975, in Guruve, Mashonaland Central Province of Zimbabwe, Tutani Mugavazi is an accomplished second-generation Shona sculptor. One of eight siblings, his totem is Moyo Ndizvo Dhehwa—“The Heart.” From a young age, Tutani displayed a deep passion for art, particularly during his primary education at Holy Rosary School in Mvurwi, where he thrived in art and craft lessons.

Artistic journey

His artistic journey was greatly inspired by his uncle, the renowned first-generation sculptor Francis Mugavazi. During school holidays, Tutani would spend time observing and emulating his uncle’s work. By the age of twelve, collectors had already begun purchasing pieces he sculpted while mimicking his uncle’s style. Recognizing his talent, his father supported him by buying his first tools when Tutani was only thirteen.

At fifteen, Tutani was introduced to the influential Tengenenge Sculpture Community by his father. Before completing high school, his artworks were already being exhibited at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe. Upon completing his education in 1992, he pursued his art full-time and held his first two-man exhibition alongside his uncle Luke Mugavazi at Ramambo Lodge Gallery in 1993.

Tutani went on to become one of the founding sculptors of the Gavazi Art Centre in 1992. In 1995, he discovered significant springstone deposits in Mutorashanga (Jester Mine) and settled in the area. A year later, he collaborated with Mrs. Jill Latham of Feoch Mutorashanga to establish the Artist for Artist Sculpture Gardens, which attracted art collectors from around the globe.

Throughout his career, Tutani has participated in numerous prestigious exhibitions and workshops both locally and internationally. His showcases include:

• Ramambo Lodge – Two-man exhibition with Luke Mugavazi (1993)

• National Art Gallery – Anglo-American Annual Exhibitions

• 5th International Sculpture Symposium, Oberkirchen, Germany (2000) – Representing Zimbabwe

• Spirit in Stone, SAP Head Quarters, Germany (2002) – Invited sculptor

• Munhumutapa Art Gallery, Cape Town, South Africa – Annual Sculpting Workshop (2002–2003)

• Shamwari Art Gallery Annual Workshop, Oakland, California, USA (2003)

• Munhumutapa Art Gallery, Annual Sculpting Workshop (2004)

Tutani Mugavazi’s work reflects an exceptional mastery of stone and a lifelong dedication to sharing Zimbabwean culture through art.