Page 56 - Zimbabwe Stone Sculpure 1st Edition
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ZIMBABWE STONE SCULPTURE
COLLEEN MADAMOMBE
Born in Harare, sadly Colleen passed away in 2009. However, along with Agnes Nyanhongo, she still holds an inspirational role within the stone sculpture movement in Zimbabwe because
there has only been a handful of female sculptors.
Her subject matter was deeply rooted in the traditional role of Shona women and she wanted to use her skills to highlight their special qua- lities. She once explained: “I am inspired by the activity of women and I work hard to show this in my sculpture”. She was a voice for a new generation of Zimbabwean women.
Her sculptures are all of well-rounded African women, almost self- portraits. She used the natural features in the stone to emphasize the movement and rhythms of the body. In her sculptures, the bodies have a rough finish, which contrasts with the polished hands and faces. Every aspect of an African woman’s life was covered in her work.
Colleen won the Best Female Artist of Zimbabwe Award for three years in a row. Her sculptures have been shown in exhibitions around the world and she was one of the most popular artists represented by Stone Dynamics Gallery.
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