Page 41 - Zimbabwe Stone Sculpure 1st Edition

LINES ON STONE. A WORK IN PROGRESS.
ThE SCULPTURES
wood fire, achieves this and then, when the stone is hot enough, a clear wax polish is applied. This is also a difficult technique to master and requires a high level of energy and experience.
Time is also a factor and although a sculpture can be finished in a few days it normally takes much longer. The better artists spend hours on smoothing and polishing the stone. Sculptor Zachariah Njobo explains: “Sculpting takes time. I wake up at night and try to figure out how I will improve. I have to think about how to make the stone talk as each and every stone has its own shape. It takes much time, not in the form of labour but in the creation.”
Authenticity
Some people question whether Zimbabwe Stone Sculpture is true art or an upmarket form of commercialized curio work. People often ask “What is authentic Zimbabwe Stone Sculpture?” They seem to think that the sculpture is the mass-produced curio art that is prevalent in the country and are therefore not always impressed.
All the sculptures created by known artists are signed by that artist, usually with a distinct and recognizable signature at the back of, or underneath, the sculpture. Also, most sculptors have their own definite style, which can usually be seen by even the untrained eye. So any copies can be detected by an expert or by the signature, the type of stone used, finish and style. However, the factor that ultimately distinguishes art from curio is the quality; the quality of the sculpture itself and the stone used. It is essential that galleries and the artists keep these standards sacred to maintain the interest and trust of the buyers.
There are sometimes accusations that the artist is making reproduc- tions, but if there is a demand and he owns that style and idea, then why should he not be allowed to exploit it? This is true of famous artists throughout the ages. However, this practice can be exploited by people who know the sculpture is popular and sells well and so they take advantage of this by making copies. This is why the galleries have to remain current and viable to provide a crucial platform for artists to develop and to also ensure that quality and originality are maintained. This includes discouraging reproductions of the work of established artists so that the public is assured of buying original work.
“All the sculptures created by known artists are signed by that artist, usually with a distinct and recognizable signature at the back or underneath the sculpture.”
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