Page 61 - Zimbabwe Stone Sculpure 1st Edition

COSMOS KAMhIRIRI
“I find rest when I sculpt. It is where I find myself, where I find inspiration and happiness.”
COSMOS KAMHIRIRI
Cosmos has this to say about his art: “I find rest when I sculpt. It is where I find myself, where I find inspiration and happiness”.
Cosmos was born in 1960 near the small mining town of Bindura, north west of Harare. He loved art at school and, encouraged by his mother, he began painting after attending the Peter Birch School of Art in Harare. Later, he joined the Canon Paterson Art Centre in Mbare, Harare, and it was here that he learnt to sculpt. He was given feedback and help from first generation artists, John Takawira and Edward Chiwawa, and his work matured and improved.
His sculpture has many forms because he loves to experiment but he is still influenced by his rural upbringing and the stories of his childhood. He wants to keep “culture and tradition for others to see” in his sculpture. Often there is great mystery to his work and, although often beautiful and peaceful, its true meaning may be hidden in the beliefs that he learnt as a child. His more simple human and animal forms are easier to interpret and therefore most popular. He loves sculpting animals in tranquil poses, or beautiful busts of women.
From the early days it has been interesting working with Cosmos because he is a bit of a jester with a quirky sense of humour. He is also a bit of a chameleon and has changed his appearance over time. The first time I met him he had dreadlocks and a colourful hat like a large tea cosy, hence his nickname, ‘Cosy’.
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